Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal to add to your dinner rotation, this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef and a delicious homemade sauce, this dish delivers a healthy and satisfying dinner that can be made in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a versatile and budget-friendly option for the whole family.

Why Ground Beef and Broccoli Is the Perfect Dinner Choice

Ground beef and broccoli is not only quick to prepare, but it also strikes a balance between taste and nutrition. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber, while lean ground beef provides protein and essential nutrients. The star of this dish is the flavorful sauce, which elevates these simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re pressed for time or just looking for a healthy dinner option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s adaptable—you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone meal for a lower-carb option.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s both delicious and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets (approximately 300 grams)
• 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (120 ml)
• 1 cup water (240 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (about 55 grams)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

this RECIPE

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Since this recipe cooks quickly, start by preparing all of your ingredients. Mix the sauce components—soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes—in a bowl. Whisk until well combined and set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the broccoli florets. Stir often and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You want the broccoli to retain a bit of crunch. Once done, transfer it to a plate.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, spoon it out.

4. Combine the Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly. The sauce will thicken quickly, taking about 1-3 minutes. Once thickened and everything is coated well, remove the skillet from the heat.

5. Serve Immediately

Your delicious ground beef and broccoli are now ready to be served! Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or as-is for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Sauce Secrets: Why This Recipe Shines

The sauce in this dish is where the magic happens. It’s a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and tangy vinegar, with a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce quickly, making it ideal for stir-fry recipes like this one. Toasted sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, bringing an authentic Asian-inspired touch to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overcooking the broccoli: You want it tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on the texture as it cooks.
2. Not browning the beef properly: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to brown the beef. This adds depth to the flavor.
3. Too much sauce: Be careful not to add too much water to the sauce mixture, as it could dilute the flavors. Stick to the recipe measurements.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This ground beef and broccoli dish is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Over Rice: Steamed white or brown rice makes the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss it with your favorite noodles for a heartier meal.
• As a Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, enjoy it on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Presentation Ideas

For a visually appealing presentation, try the following:

• Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and color.
• Serve it in a wide bowl for a more rustic feel, or use a platter to create a family-style presentation.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can easily adjust it based on dietary needs or preferences:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to lower the carb count.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the ground beef and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs: Common Questions About Ground Beef and Broccoli

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just thaw it slightly and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a small splash of water or more soy sauce to thin it out. Stir constantly to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.

Conclusion: A Simple and Delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The savory sauce, combined with tender broccoli and flavorful beef, makes it a winning combination that your family will love. Whether you’re looking for a new meal to add to your weeknight routine or want to try a healthy and delicious stir-fry, this recipe delivers every time.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to the blog for more simple and flavorful recipes!

Print