This dish mixes tasty ground beef with fresh broccoli in a yummy sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a family meal after a busy day.
Let’s face it, broccoli can be a tough sell, but when it’s cooked with beef and a bit of soy sauce, it’s a winner! I love serving it over rice for an easy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key for this recipe. If you’re out of broccoli, feel free to use green beans, snap peas, or even cauliflower for a different twist.
Rice: Both white and brown rice work well. Instead of rice, you could use quinoa for a nutritious alternative or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient brings saltiness and depth to the dish. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead or a coconut aminos substitute. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
Oyster Sauce: While optional, it adds a nice richness. If you don’t have it, try hoisin sauce for a slightly different flavor, or just skip it altogether.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Well-Cooked and Flavored?
Cooking ground beef properly is essential for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Always start with a hot skillet before adding the beef. This helps to brown the meat and seals in the flavor.
- Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring even cooking.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper after it’s browned; this helps lock in flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Aromatics and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated or minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so in about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Things Up:
First, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This is where all the magic will happen, so make sure it’s nice and hot!
2. Add Flavor:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these together for about 30 seconds, just until they start to smell amazing. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it so your dish isn’t too greasy.
4. Season it Right:
Season the cooked beef with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Simple, but so important!
5. Bring in the Broccoli:
Next, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. You want them to stay crisp and colorful!
6. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), cornstarch, and beef broth. Make sure the cornstarch dissolves well—this will help thicken your sauce.
7. Combine and Simmer:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring everything to coat. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a little. This is when it gets really good!
8. Serve It Up:
Now, it’s time to serve! Scoop the ground beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for that extra flair.
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
All done! Enjoy your hot and tasty ground beef and broccoli dish with family or friends!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times slightly, as turkey and chicken may cook a bit faster, while tofu will need to be browned for about 5-7 minutes for optimal texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers when you sauté the garlic and ginger at the start. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your preferred spice level!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can simply omit the oyster sauce and add a bit more soy sauce or some hoisin sauce as a substitute. Another option is to mix soy sauce with a little bit of sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
