Ground beef and broccoli is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights! The savory beef pairs beautifully with crisp broccoli, making it a great combo for dinner.
I love how easy this meal is to whip up. Just brown the beef, toss in the broccoli, and you’re ready to eat! It’s a family-friendly favorite that fills you up without fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish. You can use lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based ground meat or tofu, which soaks up the sauce nicely.
Broccoli: Broccoli florets give color and nutrients to the dish. If you don’t have broccoli, feel free to swap in green beans, bell peppers, or snow peas—they all work well and add a different crunch.
Oyster Sauce: While it adds depth to the flavor, you can skip it if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish. You can use more soy sauce or a dash of hoisin sauce as a substitute.
Rice: White rice is a classic base for this meal. Brown rice or quinoa can provide a healthier option. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rice packets can save the day!
How Do You Make Sure Your Beef Stays Juicy?
To keep your ground beef juicy, avoid cooking it on too high heat. Start at medium-high, but if it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Here’s a quick rundown of steps:
- Use a large skillet or wok to give the beef space to brown evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches.
- Season with salt and pepper early to enhance the flavor while cooking.
Following these tips will help retain moisture and flavor, making your dish even better!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to have this delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper for flavor!
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté everything together for about 1 minute until you can smell that delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Broccoli:
Next, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. The broccoli adds a lovely crunch and color to your dish!
4. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Make sure it’s all well combined. Pour this sauce over your beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together so it’s evenly coated, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked white rice. Top it off with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitution that will still give you a delicious flavor while being lower in fat. Just remember that ground turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash more soy sauce or a bit of broth to keep it moist while cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can simply omit it or substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce mixed with a little honey or hoisin sauce for sweetness. This will still add a nice depth of flavor to your dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in intervals, stirring in between, or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help rejuvenate the dish during reheating.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on how quickly they cook, adding them to the skillet at the appropriate time to keep everything tender-crisp.
