Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes? This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect solution! It’s packed with protein, nutrients, and flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner option. Plus, it's a versatile dish you can tweak to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Stick around to discover everything you need to know about preparing this delicious meal, including tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas that will elevate your cooking skills!

What is “Ground Beef and Broccoli”?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a savory, stir-fry-style dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender broccoli florets, all coated in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe is often considered a low-carb alternative to classic Chinese beef and broccoli dishes. It’s the perfect balance of protein from the beef and fiber from the broccoli, making it both satisfying and nutritious.

Now that you know what this dish is, let's dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions so you can create this easy, one-pan meal at home!

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Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful dish. These simple ingredients can be found in most grocery stores, and you may already have many of them in your pantry!

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean for best flavor)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (fresh is best, but ground ginger will work too)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that authentic Asian flavor)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• ¼ cup water (to help cook the broccoli and make the sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for some heat)

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Substitutions and Variations

The great thing about this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

1. Protein Substitutes: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
2. Broccoli Alternatives: If you're not a fan of broccoli, feel free to replace it with other veggies like cauliflower, snap peas, or bell peppers. Any stir-fry-friendly vegetable will work!
3. Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
4. Keto or Low-Carb Variation: This recipe is already low in carbs, but if you want to make it keto-friendly, omit the brown sugar or substitute with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
5. Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or leave them out altogether if you prefer a milder dish.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and possible substitutions ready, let’s dive into how to cook this delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a perfect meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash and chop your broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Keep everything within reach for easy cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it's browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

• Once the beef is cooked, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

• Add the broccoli florets to the skillet along with ¼ cup of water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

• While the broccoli is steaming, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. In another small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ¼ cup of water to create a slurry.

Step 6: Combine Everything

• Pour the sauce and cornstarch slurry over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

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

Cooking Ground Beef and Broccoli is straightforward, but here’s a summarized step-by-step guide to make it even easier:

1. Brown the ground beef.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan.
3. Add broccoli and steam for a few minutes.
4. Whisk together the sauce ingredients.
5. Combine the sauce with the beef and broccoli.
6. Let the sauce thicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

That’s it! A simple, tasty meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli should remain crisp and vibrant green. Overcooking it will result in mushy broccoli, which can ruin the texture of the dish.
2. Not draining excess fat: If your ground beef is too fatty, the dish can become greasy. Make sure to drain the fat after browning the beef.
3. Adding the sauce too early: If you add the sauce before the broccoli is fully cooked, it may burn or stick to the pan. Wait until the broccoli is tender before adding the sauce.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate the dish, presentation plays an important role. Here are some tips to make your Ground Beef and Broccoli look as good as it tastes:

1. Use a white plate to make the colors of the dish pop—green broccoli, rich brown sauce, and the garnishes.
2. Top with sesame seeds and green onions: These add a pop of color and texture.
3. Serve with sides: This dish goes great with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even noodles like soba or lo mein.

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How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli can be served in various ways depending on your preferences and dietary goals. Here are some ideas:

• Over white or brown rice: This is the classic way to serve the dish.
• With cauliflower rice: For a low-carb alternative.
• With noodles: Pair with soba, rice noodles, or lo mein for a hearty meal.
• In lettuce wraps: For a fresh, crunchy, and low-carb option.

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Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

For a visually appealing presentation:

• Serve in a shallow bowl, spreading the ground beef and broccoli evenly.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced chili peppers, or fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh touch.
• Use chopsticks as utensils to give it an authentic Asian feel.

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Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in a skillet or microwave.
2. Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, simply double the sauce ingredients.
3. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for additional texture and flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: You can add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef and Broccoli?
A: Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Q: What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?
A: It pairs well with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate quick and healthy meal that can be customized to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a low-carb option, a hearty stir-fry, or an easy dinner that everyone in the family will love, this recipe has you covered. With its simple ingredients, minimal prep, and quick cooking time, it’s bound to become a weeknight staple in your home. So grab your ingredients and start cooking today!

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