Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that’s also healthy, this Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe is just what you need. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a flavorful sauce that hits all the right notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a family favorite and a great alternative to takeout. Read on to learn how to make this easy meal, plus some tips, substitutions, and variations to suit your taste.

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry?

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal made with seasoned ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful stir-fry sauce. This dish is a twist on the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry, traditionally made with slices of beef. The use of ground beef makes it more affordable and faster to cook, while still delivering the same delicious flavors.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

To whip up this tasty stir-fry, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef (1 pound, lean): A versatile and affordable protein that cooks quickly. Use 85% lean or higher to avoid excess grease.
• Broccoli Florets (4 cups): Fresh or frozen broccoli works well. Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen is a good substitute if needed.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds depth to the stir-fry sauce.
• Ginger (1 tablespoon, freshly grated): Ginger gives the dish a warm, spicy kick.
• Soy Sauce (¼ cup): The base of the stir-fry sauce, adding savory umami flavor.
• Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons): Thick and rich, it adds a sweet and savory dimension to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the dish.
• Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the salty and savory flavors.
• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Helps thicken the sauce and coat the beef and broccoli.
• Green Onions (2, sliced): Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning the ground beef.

Substitutions and Variations for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is highly adaptable. Here are some substitution and variation ideas:

• Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
• Broccoli Substitutes: If you're not a fan of broccoli or don’t have it on hand, you can use other vegetables like green beans, snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy. A combination of veggies will add more texture and color.
• Soy Sauce Substitutes: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the cornstarch, reduce the brown sugar, and serve the stir-fry with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.

Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Here’s how to make this simple and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry in just a few easy steps:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, and remove the beef from the pan, setting it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan. If using fresh broccoli, pour in a splash of water and cover the skillet with a lid to steam the broccoli for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, cook it until it’s heated through and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Once the broccoli is cooked, return the ground beef to the skillet. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to combine everything. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat and vegetables.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the stir-fry and, if you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet.
2. Sauté garlic and ginger.
3. Steam or stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp.
4. Add sauce and combine everything in the skillet.
5. Let the sauce thicken and coat the beef and broccoli.

It’s that simple! The dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Overcooking the Broccoli: You want the broccoli to be tender but still crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy and lose its vibrant color. If using frozen broccoli, be careful not to overcook it since it’s already blanched.
• Not Draining the Beef: If your ground beef has a lot of excess grease, be sure to drain it before adding the sauce. Too much fat can make the sauce greasy and dilute the flavors.
• Not Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch slurry helps the sauce cling to the beef and broccoli, giving the dish that perfect consistency. Without it, the sauce might be too thin.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli

To serve Ground Beef and Broccoli, scoop the stir-fry over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad. The dish is also excellent as meal prep — store it in individual containers with rice for an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serve this stir-fry family-style in a large bowl, with smaller bowls of rice or noodles on the side so everyone can assemble their own meal. You can also serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option. Top with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Layered Bowls: Serve in deep bowls with a base of rice or noodles. Add the stir-fry on top, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful, layered look.
• Lettuce Wraps: Present the ground beef and broccoli in crispy lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal. Arrange the wraps on a platter with sauces like hoisin or sriracha for dipping.
• Bento Boxes: Pack the stir-fry with rice and a side of pickled vegetables or a cucumber salad for an eye-catching bento box-style presentation.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop the broccoli and mix the sauce ahead of time to make dinner prep even faster.
• Freezing: Ground beef and broccoli freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
• Make It Saucy: If you prefer a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients. This ensures there’s plenty to coat the beef, broccoli, and rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this stir-fry. Just make sure to cook it until heated through and tender before adding it to the dish.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes, or drizzle in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can also stir-fry sliced chili peppers with the garlic and ginger for extra heat.

Q: Can I meal prep Ground Beef and Broccoli?
A: Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store it in individual containers with rice or noodles in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a fantastic go-to recipe for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors for a satisfying meal. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with substitutions and variations, this dish is guaranteed to please. It’s quick, healthy, and easy to make — perfect for the whole family. Give it a try, and it may just become a new staple in your kitchen! Happy cooking!

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