Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Craving a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Ground Beef and Broccoli is the perfect solution! This quick and simple stir-fry combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli florets in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s an excellent alternative to takeout and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe!

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What Is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a stir-fry dish that’s a simplified, more budget-friendly take on the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry found in many Chinese restaurants. Instead of using more expensive cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin, this version uses ground beef, which cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors of the rich, savory sauce. The dish is typically served over steamed rice or noodles and features a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.

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Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, plus fresh broccoli and ground beef. The sauce comes together quickly and adds a punch of flavor to the dish.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A quick-cooking protein that absorbs the sauce flavors beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: Provides a tender-crisp texture and nutritional benefits.
• Garlic and Ginger: Adds depth and freshness to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: The base of the stir-fry sauce, adding umami and saltiness.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds richness and enhances the umami flavor of the beef.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that is characteristic of stir-fries.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat (optional).

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Ingredients List (Serves 4)

Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need for a Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry that serves 4 people:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 4 cups of broccoli florets (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced or grated
• ¼ cup of soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• ¼ cup of beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for cooking)
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

This ingredient list ensures a flavorful and well-balanced dish, with savory, sweet, and spicy notes.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is very flexible and can be easily adjusted based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

Protein:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground beef substitutes or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Vegetables:

• Cauliflower or Zucchini: If you don’t have broccoli, cauliflower florets or sliced zucchini make excellent substitutes.
• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Sauce:

• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute, though it will add a slightly sweeter flavor.

Extra Spice:

• Sriracha or Chili Paste: Add more heat by stirring in a bit of sriracha or chili garlic paste.
• Fresh Chili Peppers: For extra spice, sauté some sliced fresh chili peppers with the garlic and ginger.

These substitutions allow you to customize the dish to suit your tastes while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, beef broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

1. Blanch or Steam the Broccoli: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Drain and rinse the broccoli under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe dish with a bit of water and covering it with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Add the Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the ground beef.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
3. Simmer: Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the beef and broccoli. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Remove the stir-fry from the heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
2. Garnish: For added flavor and texture, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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

Here’s a quick summary of how to make Ground Beef and Broccoli:

1. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, beef broth, and cornstarch.
2. Blanch or Steam the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli until bright green and tender, then set aside.
3. Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef, then sauté garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes for added flavor.
4. Combine and Simmer: Add the broccoli and sauce to the skillet, simmering until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli. You want it to be tender but still crisp and vibrant. Blanching or steaming it for 2-3 minutes is perfect.
• Not Draining the Beef: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat. This helps prevent the stir-fry from becoming too greasy.
• Adding Sauce Too Early: Let the beef brown and the garlic/ginger cook first before adding the sauce. This allows the aromatics to develop full flavor before the sauce is added.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Ground Beef and Broccoli is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serve this dish hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Garnish: Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
• Sides: Pair with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or sautéed vegetables to complete the meal.
• Family Style: Serve the stir-fry family-style in a large bowl, allowing everyone to customize their own portions.

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Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making the meal even faster to cook.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works well for this recipe. Simply thaw and drain it before adding it to the stir-fry. You may need to cook it for a slightly shorter time.

Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. You can also increase the amount of broccoli and other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Simply sauté them along with the broccoli to make the dish even more nutritious.

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Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and packed with savory, umami flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or keeping it low-carb, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious and wholesome meal. Try it out tonight and enjoy a homemade version of a takeout favorite!

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