Ground Beef and Broccoli

Whip up an easy, flavorful dish with Ground Beef and Broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This stir fry boasts a delightful homemade sauce that balances sweetness and savoriness, making it a crowd-pleaser. Serve it over rice for a quick and satisfying meal that brings Asian-inspired flavors to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade sweet and savory sauce elevates the taste of the ground beef and broccoli.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use any vegetables you have on hand or substitute chicken for ground beef to customize your meal.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and nutrients from broccoli, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this comforting dish, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make Ground Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows you to cook the ground beef evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Use this for combining ingredients easily when preparing the sauce.
• Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth consistency for your sauce by mixing all components thoroughly.

Ingredients

Whip up an easy, super flavorful beef and broccoli stir fry with the best homemade sweet and savory sauce. Serve it over rice for an unforgettable, Asian-inspired meal!

For the Stir Fry

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2-3 Tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 Tablespoon corn starch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Seasoning

• Sea salt (to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)

For Serving

• 1 head of broccoli (chopped and steamed)

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 cup chopped onion. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Break up any large pieces as you go. During the last minute of cooking, add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Combine Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
* 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce,
* 1/4 cup water,
* 2-3 Tablespoons brown sugar,
* 1 Tablespoon corn starch,
* 2 teaspoons sesame oil,
* A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust based on your spice preference).

Step 3: Simmer

Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a light simmer for about 1 to 2 minutes. If needed, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to achieve your desired consistency. Season with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from heat once everything is combined well. Serve over rice accompanied by steamed broccoli. For extra flair, top with green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzle with sriracha sauce if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli as a satisfying main dish!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something special for guests, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the ground beef and broccoli stir fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for added fiber.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the beef and broccoli mixture for a fresh, low-carb option. This adds a crunchy texture.

With Noodles

• Pair it with cooked noodles, such as udon or rice noodles, for a heartier meal. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.

Topped with Green Onions

• Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor.

Drizzled with Sriracha

• Add a drizzle of sriracha sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat. It complements the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

To make your Ground Beef and Broccoli truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and textures in your dish.

• Choose lean beef: Using lean ground beef minimizes grease and keeps the dish healthier while still providing great flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the taste of your dish significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar or honey based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Don’t overcook broccoli: Steaming broccoli just until tender maintains its vibrant color and nutrients, ensuring it’s deliciously crisp.
• Customize spice levels: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier; adjust according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce perfectly, making it an excellent base for this dish.
2. Garlic Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice option that complements the stir fry with its garlicky goodness—a favorite among many!
3. Crispy Egg Rolls: These add crunch and are fun finger foods that balance out the main dish’s texture perfectly.
4. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that provides a cool contrast to the warm stir fry; it’s also light and healthy.
5. Sesame Noodles: Tossed in sesame oil, these noodles bring an additional layer of flavor that pairs well with beef and broccoli.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting appetizer, enhancing the Asian-inspired theme of your meal.
7. Pickled Vegetables: Brightly colored pickled veggies can add tanginess that complements the richness of ground beef nicely.
8. Fried Tofu Cubes: Crispy tofu offers a vegetarian option that adds protein while harmonizing with your main dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef and Broccoli, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

• Using too much oil – Overusing oil can make the dish greasy. Use only a small amount for browning the beef.
• Not draining excess grease – Leaving grease in the skillet can lead to a soggy dish. Be sure to drain any extra fat after browning the beef.
• Skipping the sauce preparation – Failing to mix the sauce properly can result in uneven flavor. Always whisk your sauce ingredients together before adding them to the meat.
• Overcooking broccoli – Overcooked broccoli loses its vibrant color and crunch. Steam it just until tender, then toss it with the beef at the end.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Each ingredient varies in saltiness. Taste as you go and adjust soy sauce or salt accordingly for balanced flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
• item Ground Beef and Broccoli will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli

• item For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• item This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in an oven-safe container and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef and Broccoli.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a healthier alternative that works well in this recipe while still providing great flavor.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a heartier meal option.

How do I customize my Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots to enhance nutrition and color while cooking.

Is Ground Beef and Broccoli spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is not just quick but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding different veggies or adjusting spices. Give this simple yet flavorful recipe a try; it’s bound to become a favorite!