Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground beef and broccoli is a delightful Asian-inspired dish that brings together tender bites of beef and vibrant green broccoli in a savory sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Picture a plate full of shining, glossy beef and vivid green florets, perfectly coated in a sumptuous sauce. This dish not only satisfies your cravings for something hearty but also offers a burst of color and nutritious vegetables. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet, simplifying your cooking experience while maximizing flavor.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this dish during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet fulfilling. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, pouring warmth and flavor onto our plates. What I love most about this easy ground beef and broccoli is how versatile it is. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or craving a late-night meal, it fits the bill every time. With just 10 minutes of prep and a mere 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll find yourself whipping up this winner in no time. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: A savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger with a touch of sweetness makes every bite memorable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of broccoli and beef make this dish as visually tasty as it is flavorful.
- Flexible Serving: Great on its own or served over rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free or low-carb diets with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli (about 1 pound): Fresh, crisp broccoli adds nutritional value and color. Feel free to use frozen broccoli in a pinch, but fresh has the best texture.
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This provides the salty umami flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer gluten-free, look for tamari sauce.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a richness and depth to the dish. For a vegetarian option, swap it with mushroom sauce.
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: A sweet rice wine that compliments the savory flavors. You can substitute with sake or a splash of white wine mixed with a bit of sugar.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. Maple syrup works well if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic invigorates the dish, giving it a lovely aroma. Pre-minced garlic is convenient, though fresh is best!
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste or fresh minced ginger: The heat of ginger adds warmth; fresh is always a great choice.
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that luscious coating. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, tapioca starch can be a suitable substitute.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: This oil infuses a toasty flavor; don’t skip it for the authentic touch!
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: Lean beef keeps the dish lighter and reduces fat content, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: Sweet onions provide a perfect contrast and flavor complement. You can use a red onion for a bit more color.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Adjust according to preference.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: These add a nice crunch and visual appeal. They make for a fun garnish!
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Adds freshness and crunch on top.
- Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): Enjoy it over your favorite rice for extra heartiness and to soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prepare the Broccoli: Place the broccoli in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring this to a boil over HIGH heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to LOW, cover, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is barely fork tender. Drain the broccoli in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch to halt the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside while you prepare the beef.
Mix the Sauce: In a measuring cup or a small bowl, combine ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, and 4 teaspoons cornstarch. Whisk this mixture until well-blended and set aside for later.
Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same 12-inch skillet over MEDIUM heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and the chopped sweet yellow onion, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat but keeping some texture. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Combine with Broccoli and Sauce: Add the partially cooked broccoli to the skillet along with your prepared stir-fry sauce. Cook while stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and fully incorporates with the beef and broccoli, making everything glossy and delicious. Take it off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes while the flavors meld.
Serve and Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. If desired, spoon over cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftover ground beef and broccoli, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure it’s completely cool before transferring. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, giving it a good stir to redistribute the sauce. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the broccoli but refreshing it with a quick sauté works wonders!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep it vibrant and crunchy; it should be tender but not mushy.
- For a more pronounced flavor, let the beef and onion mixture cook a bit longer to caramelize the onions.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. If it needs more punch, a splash of soy sauce can brighten everything up.
- You can easily make this ahead of time. Just cook the meat and veggie mix, then toss in the sauce right before serving.
- For a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet.
Ground beef and broccoli is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that encapsulates the joy of home cooking. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and bold flavors, this meal is perfect for everyone. Feel free to mix it up by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots – the possibilities are endless! I encourage you to play with the sauce to suit your taste. Enjoy this easy ground beef and broccoli recipe, and let it become a beloved go-to in your household.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative and cooks quickly. You may want to add it directly to the skillet without pre-cooking it or adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great as substitutes for ground beef. The cooking times will remain fairly similar, making it a great way to switch things up based on dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari sauce and check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Most brands carry gluten-free options!
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
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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: 101|Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli. This satisfying dish features tender beef and broccoli in a savory sauce, offering a quick and wholesome meal for busy evenings. Perfect served over rice for a delicious finish!
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 the broccoli in a skillet, adding enough water to reach halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper. Incorporate the broccoli and stir fry sauce, cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let rest before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice if desired.
Notes
You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey as per your taste.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or even quinoa for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
