Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli brings a taste of Asian cuisine to your table in a flash, combining tender broccoli florets with savory ground beef in a rich, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to whip up for a weeknight dinner or as a satisfying meal prep option. Plus, it’s perfect for both those busy nights and cozy family gatherings when everyone craves something hearty and nutritious.
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I remember the first time I made this delightful dish—it was a chilly evening, and I had a craving for something warm and satisfying. After browsing my pantry and fridge, I realized I had all the ingredients on hand! That moment sparked a love for this quick recipe that I now return to time and time again. There’s something amazing about the combination of savory beef, fresh broccoli, and that umami-packed sauce that brings everything together. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe should be on regular rotation in your meal plan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just 35 minutes, this dish goes from prep to plate, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey creates a savory goodness that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of broccoli against that luscious beef sauce make for a dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: This is a fantastic main course served over rice or enjoyed on its own. The leftovers even make a great lunch!
- Diet-Friendly Options: With just a few tweaks, this dish can easily fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound: Fresh broccoli shines here, offering crisp texture and a bright flavor.
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This adds that quintessential umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor, giving a slight sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: This natural sweetener rounds out the savory flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Garlic brings a fragrant punch; fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch!
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger: Ginger adds warmth and a little heat; fresh offers the best flavor.
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce, it creates a wonderful texture.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: The lean meat keeps it healthier while providing a satisfying heartiness.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: This variety gives sweetness and depth; however, feel free to swap it with red onion for its vibrancy.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; season to your preference!
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: These are optional but add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias: For a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving: Helps soak up the delectable sauce!
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prepare Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides, but not covering them. Bring to a boil over HIGH heat, then reduce to LOW, cover, and simmer for about 2 minutes—just long enough for them to become barely fork tender. Once done, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
Whisk Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, and 4 teaspoons cornstarch until everything is nicely combined. Set that delicious mixture aside for later.
Cook Beef and Onion: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same skillet over MEDIUM heat. Add the 1 pound ground beef and the coarsely chopped 1 cup sweet yellow onion. Cook while stirring occasionally, breaking the beef into chunks but leaving some nice textures. Sauté until fully cooked and the onion is starting to soften, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease before returning the skillet to the heat. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Add Broccoli and Sauce: Toss the partially cooked broccoli into the skillet along with the stir fry sauce. With a wooden spoon, keep stirring until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens a bit; this should take another 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions for that extra touch of flavor and crunch. Serve over cooked white or brown rice, if you like, making this dish even more filling.
Storing & Reheating
You can store any leftovers of this scrumptious dish at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for a maximum of 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so adding a splash of water can help refresh it while reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli; you want it to still have a crisp bite for the best texture.
- Make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking the beef; this ensures a lighter dish.
- Experiment with different sauces! Try adding a splash of Sriracha for a spicy kick or some additional vegetables like bell pepper or snap peas for more variety.
- For make-ahead options, chop broccoli and onions the night before to save time!
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water during the last cooking stages.
When you set out to make this Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli, you’re in for a treat. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and it’s so easy to prepare. Not to mention, it packs in a great dose of nutrition from the broccoli, making it a wonderful weeknight meal for yourself or the whole family. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becomes a go-to in your recipe rotation!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess moisture in your dish. You may want to skip the blanching step and add it directly to the skillet after you brown the beef, cooking it for an additional 3-4 minutes.
What other proteins can I use?
If you’re looking to mix things up, chicken or turkey can work well in this recipe. You can use ground chicken or turkey, or even sliced chicken breast. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly since each protein may cook at different rates.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version, such as tamari sauce. Most brands will provide a similar flavor without the gluten.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with add-ins. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can add great texture and flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them alongside the onions for a colorful and nutritious twist.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli combines tender broccoli with savory beef in a hearty and simple stir-fry. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound, cut into small florets
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion, not diced
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias
- cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving
Instructions
- Place broccoli in a skillet with enough water to come halfway up sides. Bring to boil, then reduce to low and cover, simmering for 2 minutes until barely tender. Drain and rinse with cold water, set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking while breaking up the beef until cooked through and onions soften. Drain excess grease, season with salt and pepper, then add broccoli and sauce. Stir until thickened and well mixed, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, serving with rice if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to taste while cooking the beef.
Make sure to rinse broccoli with cold water to maintain its bright color and crispness.
Feel free to substitute the lean beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 358
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
