why make this recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious dish that combines the hearty flavor of ground beef with the fresh crunch of broccoli. It is a one-pan meal that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. It is full of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it an ideal choice for the entire family. Plus, it’s easily adaptable, so you can customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
how to make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Making Ground Beef and Broccoli is straightforward and takes only a little time. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with rice. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/white pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice
Directions:
Prepare the broccoli: Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel. This step is essential to ensure that your broccoli cooks evenly in the pan.
Cook the beef: In a large pan, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until it is browned. Make sure to break the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks.
Add vegetables: After the beef is browned, stir in the diced yellow onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook these vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are soft. The colors will start to brighten, and the aroma will be fantastic.
Season: Add salt and white pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors of your dish, so season according to your preference.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until it is smooth. Then add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil into the bowl. Whisk all the ingredients until they are well blended. This mixture will be the sauce that ties everything together in the dish.
Combine sauce and broccoli: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the broccoli florets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Thicken the sauce: Let the dish simmer for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is essential as it helps the sauce coat the beef and vegetables, adding flavor in every bite.
Serve: Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli over cooked rice. For extra flavor and presentation, you can optionally top it with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. This gives the dish a beautiful finish and adds a nice crunch.
how to serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is best served hot immediately after cooking. Place a generous portion over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. You can accompany it with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad if desired. This dish is also enjoyable on its own due to its balanced flavors and textures. For those who enjoy heat, consider serving chili sauce on the side for a spicy kick.
how to store Ground Beef and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, storing Ground Beef and Broccoli is simple. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat them in a skillet on low heat or microwave them until they are warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the dish moist.
tips to make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Quality beef: For the best flavor, use a good quality ground beef. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute.
Vegetable variations: Don’t hesitate to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers to custom-tailor the dish to your liking.
Soy sauce alternatives: For a lower-sodium option, try using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if you are gluten-free.
Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just brown the beef and add the sauce and broccoli.
Meal prepping: Ground Beef and Broccoli makes for a great meal prep option. You can portions it into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
variation
You can customize Ground Beef and Broccoli in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy variation: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce to spice things up.
- Add noodles: For a hearty dish, replace rice with cooked noodles. You can use rice noodles, ramen, or another kind you prefer.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You may also consider using lentils for a more filling option.
FAQs
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, snap peas, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose.Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Ground Beef and Broccoli stores well and can be prepared in advance for quick meals during the week.Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger can be a great substitute! Use about one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to replace the ground ginger for a zesty flavor.What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
This dish pairs well with plain white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad or steamed dumplings on the side.How can I make it gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your beef broth is also gluten-free.
With its simplicity and bold flavors, Ground Beef and Broccoli is sure to become a regular meal in your home. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or serve it at a gathering with friends, it’s a delightful choice that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A quick and healthy one-pan meal that combines ground beef with fresh broccoli and a flavorful sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/white pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the broccoli florets.
- Heat peanut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add diced onion and sliced bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil, whisking until blended.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with beef and vegetables, simmering. Add broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Let simmer for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over cooked rice, optionally topping with sesame seeds or green onions.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha. Feel free to customize with other vegetables like carrots or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef, broccoli, quick meal, one-pan dish, family dinner