Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch. Packed with flavor, nutrients, and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making this savory meal, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and serving tips!

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simple stir-fry dish that combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli, all mixed in a flavorful sauce. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has been adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a popular choice in homes worldwide. With its blend of protein and vegetables, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. For this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option or go with regular ground beef for a richer flavor.
• 2 cups of broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen broccoli will also work in a pinch.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds depth to the dish and complements the other flavors beautifully.
• 1 small onion, diced – Adds a slight sweetness and complexity to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Low-sodium soy sauce can be used if you’re watching your salt intake.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – This provides the rich umami flavor that’s often found in stir-fries.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that authentic Asian flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce.
• ¼ cup water or beef broth – This helps create the sauce and keeps everything moist.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For stir-frying.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season as needed.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is how versatile it is. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Ground Beef Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of beef or want a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat. Each option provides a different flavor but still works well with the overall dish.
• Broccoli Alternatives: If broccoli isn’t available or if you want to mix things up, you can use other vegetables such as cauliflower, green beans, snap peas, or even spinach. These veggies maintain the same crunchy texture and nutritional benefits as broccoli.
• Soy Sauce Substitutes: For those avoiding soy, try using tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos as a gluten-free or lower-sodium option.
• No Oyster Sauce? If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can add a little more soy sauce and hoisin sauce or substitute with fish sauce for a different but still savory flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like your dishes with a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Ground Beef and Broccoli is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of time or special equipment. Let’s walk through the steps:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and set everything aside. Measure out the sauces and spices so everything is ready to go once you start cooking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through. Once done, drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Add Aromatics

Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the other side. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli becomes tender but still crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you may need to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Add water or beef broth to thin out the sauce as needed. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the ground beef and broccoli.

6. Combine Everything

Stir the sauce into the beef and broccoli mixture, making sure everything is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse all the ingredients with its rich flavor.

7. Serve

Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional soy sauce if necessary.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re someone who enjoys detailed instructions, here’s a step-by-step guide that breaks everything down even further:

1. Heat oil in a pan on medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant.
3. Incorporate broccoli and stir-fry until tender yet crisp.
4. Prepare your sauce by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until the mixture thickens, ensuring everything is well coated.
6. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Broccoli: Broccoli can become mushy if overcooked. Make sure to keep it tender but still slightly crisp for the perfect texture.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked. Make sure to sauté it gently and only until fragrant.
• Too Much Sauce: Adding too much liquid can make the dish soupy. Follow the recipe amounts for the sauce and adjust as needed.
• Not Draining Fat from the Beef: If using a fattier ground beef, make sure to drain excess fat before adding other ingredients, or your dish will be greasy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, even for a simple dish like Ground Beef and Broccoli. Here’s how to serve it to make it look as delicious as it tastes:

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Over Rice: Ground Beef and Broccoli is traditionally served over steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With Noodles: Toss this stir-fry over lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a hearty twist.
• On Its Own: If you’re looking to keep things low-carb, you can serve this dish as-is without any rice or noodles.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of your finished dish for added flavor and texture.
• Add Fresh Herbs: A bit of chopped green onion or cilantro will add a burst of color and freshness to your presentation.
• Serve in a Bowl: Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli in shallow bowls for a more modern, minimalist presentation.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Cook a large batch and divide it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Freezing: Ground Beef and Broccoli freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Adjusting the Sauce: If you like more sauce, double the sauce ingredients and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw it slightly before adding it to the skillet, and cook for an extra 2 minutes if needed.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use crumbled tofu or tempeh.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your other sauces (oyster sauce, hoisin) are gluten-free.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with so many variations and substitutions, you can make it your own! Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just 30 minutes!

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