This tasty Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is super simple and full of flavor! It combines juicy ground beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce that makes it hard to resist.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of the crunchy broccoli paired with the rich beef! It’s perfect over rice for a quick meal after a long day. You’ll want to try it tonight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Look for lean ground beef to keep it healthier. If you prefer, you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Even plant-based ground meat works well if you’re looking for a vegetarian choice!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives great flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Rice: White rice is traditional, but you can easily use brown rice for more fiber or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Quinoa could be a nice twist too!
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor. If you prefer not to use it, soy sauce alone is fine. You could try hoisin sauce or a bit of fish sauce for a different taste.
Sesame Oil: It’s great for flavor. If you’re out, you could use vegetable oil, but you’ll miss that nutty aroma. You could also add a few drops of sesame seeds for a similar taste.
How Can You Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef just right is key to enjoy your dish. Start by heating your skillet or wok to medium-high heat before adding the oil. This helps to sear the beef and lock in flavor.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula while it cooks.
- Season with salt and pepper as it browns. This step enhances the beef’s taste.
- Make sure it’s well browned but not overcooked, then remove it from the skillet before adding other ingredients. This keeps the beef juicy!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes on this delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper! Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until they smell wonderful. This will add lots of flavor to your dish!
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Now, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. If you find they need a little help to cook, feel free to add a splash of water to steam them a bit.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and water or beef broth. Stir everything until it’s well combined—that’s your sauce!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and broccoli.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the tasty ground beef and broccoli over your cooked white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using leaner meats to ensure they’re cooked through.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary to rehydrate the broccoli and sauce.
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli is great! Just make sure to cut it into uniform florets to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how tender you like your broccoli.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer to skip it, try using hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness, or you can simply add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce for flavor. Both options will work well in this dish!
