This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a quick and tasty meal. It features tender ground beef mixed with fresh broccoli all in a savory sauce that’s simply delicious!
You can whip this up in no time, which makes it perfect for busy nights! I serve it over rice for a super filling dinner. Trust me, you won’t have leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy flavor. However, you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a lighter option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch and color. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli florets work too—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is fantastic, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative too!
Oyster Sauce: If you need a vegetarian option, hoisin sauce adds a sweet, tangy flavor. You could also skip it altogether if you prefer a lighter taste.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce. If you’re out, try using arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead. Both work similarly!
How Do I Cook Broccoli Perfectly in This Dish?
Cooking broccoli just right can make a big difference! You want it tender but still bright in color and crunchy. Here’s how:
- After browning the beef, add the broccoli to the skillet.
- Pour a splash of water into the skillet and cover it. This steams the broccoli nicely.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes. Check to make sure it’s tender but still vibrant green! If it looks dull, it’s overcooked.
This simple steaming technique keeps broccoli flavorful and adds great texture to your dish!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes. Quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and set this mixture aside. This will be the flavorful base of your dish!
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing—be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef mixture to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Add Broccoli:
Stir in the broccoli florets next. To help steam the broccoli, add a splash of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. This keeps it looking fresh and crunchy!
5. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the beef and broccoli mixture. Give everything a good stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Let those flavors meld together!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the juicy ground beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked white rice in bowls. Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so ensure it’s cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Broccoli?
No worries! You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose to ensure it remains tender-crisp.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove until heated throughout. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it from becoming dry.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Enjoy your delicious meal without any gluten concerns!
