This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a quick and tasty one-pan meal. With tender beef and vibrant broccoli, it’s full of flavor and color!
You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! Who doesn’t love a little health with their dinner? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein base for the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, try using tempeh or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a crisp texture. You can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas if you prefer. Frozen broccoli is also great if you’re in a hurry—just thaw it first.
Soy Sauce: This adds a salty depth. If you’re avoiding gluten, opt for tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is another good choice if you want to cut back on salt.
Oyster Sauce: While not necessary, it adds a rich flavor. If you want to skip it, don’t worry! You can increase the amount of soy sauce. For a vegetarian substitute, consider mushroom sauce for a similar taste.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use olive oil, though it will change the flavor slightly. You can also aroma-enhance by adding toasted sesame seeds later on.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef is a key step in this recipe. You want it nicely browned for the best flavor. Using medium-high heat helps achieve this without overcooking. Here’s how to get it right:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil first.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.
Remember to let the beef sizzle without stirring too much at first. This helps develop a good brown color and flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. In no time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them together for about 30 seconds, just until they smell wonderful and become fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and there’s no pink left, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat in the skillet, feel free to drain some of it off.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn bright green and become just tender. This will keep them crisp and delicious!
4. Mix in the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture, tossing everything to coat evenly. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Let it all cook together for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through.
5. Serve and Garnish:
To serve, spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked jasmine rice in bowls or plates. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a splash more soy sauce or a little broth to keep it moist while cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can skip it altogether or substitute with an additional tablespoon of soy sauce for flavor. You can also mix together soy sauce and a bit of sugar or hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little kick in your beef and broccoli, you can add some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce mix. You can also stir in thinly sliced jalapeños or other hot peppers during the cooking process for some fresh heat.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated throughout or warm gently in a skillet over low heat. If the rice feels dry, add a splash of water to help soften it up.
