This quick and tasty Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is packed with protein and veggies. The beef is cooked until brown, then tossed with tender broccoli in a savory sauce!
I love how fast this meal comes together, making it perfect for busy nights. Serve it over rice, and dinner is ready in no time. Plus, it’s always a hit with the family! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic in this recipe, ground beef gives a rich flavor. If you’re looking to lighten it up, ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this dish, but frozen ones can also do the trick in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly.
Rice: White rice complements this dish nicely, but think about using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. If you’re pressed for time, quick-cook rice saves the day!
Oyster Sauce: While it’s optional, oyster sauce adds a lovely umami flavor. You can replace it with hoisin sauce or simply skip it if you prefer to keep it lighter.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are favorites for their strong flavors, but minced garlic in a jar and ginger paste work just as well and save prep time.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Broccoli?
Blanching broccoli helps keep its vibrant color and crunch while ensuring it’s cooked just enough to be tender. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp.
- Quickly drain and run cold water over them to stop the cooking process. This keeps them looking and tasting fresh!
This quick step makes a huge difference in both texture and appearance in your dish.
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)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ginger paste)
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes. You’ll have a delicious meal ready quickly, ideal for busy weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by cooking your white rice according to the package instructions. This will ensure it’s warm and fluffy when you serve it with your beef and broccoli.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet or wok, add the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You want it hot enough to cook the meat quickly.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. This smells wonderful and adds a lot of flavor!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it’s nicely browned.
5. Blanch the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Quickly blanch the broccoli florets by boiling them for 2-3 minutes. Once they’re bright green and slightly tender, drain them and set aside.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the blanched broccoli, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix everything well and let it cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening a bit!
7. Season to Taste:
Now, it’s time to season your dish! Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
8. Serve It Up:
Grab your cooked rice and spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over the top for a satisfying meal!
9. Garnish:
Finish it off by garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. This makes it look pretty and tastes great too. Enjoy your delicious dinner!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Broccoli?
No problem! You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even asparagus in place of broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the blanching time based on the vegetable you choose, ensuring they’re crisp-tender.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it entirely. The dish will still be delicious without it!
