Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Quick Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable ground beef and broccoli dish sparks culinary excitement in our kitchen tonight.

Savory aromas will soon fill the air as we combine tender meat with vibrant green florets.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that pack flavor into every bite.

Home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Our recipe delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables in one skillet.

Seasoned with just the right blend of garlic, soy sauce, and subtle spices, this combination promises to become a new household favorite.

Come explore how easily you can create a restaurant-quality meal that everyone will absolutely love.

Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Simple Favorite

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this ground beef and broccoli dish in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Boost Nutrition Easily: Pack your plate with lean protein from ground beef and nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced meal that supports your health goals while delighting your taste buds.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Adjust the sauce's spiciness or sweetness to match your preferences, making this recipe a flexible option for different palates and dietary needs.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner without creating a mountain of dishes afterward.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the base of this delicious stir-fry dish.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds crunch and nutritional value to the recipe.
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Rich and savory Asian-inspired sauces that create a delicious coating for the meat and vegetables.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the dish.
  • Water: Helps to create the right sauce consistency.
  • Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps the sauce coat the ingredients perfectly.
Garnish and Optional Serving:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add visual appeal and extra flavor.
  • Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Optional base for serving the ground beef and broccoli stir-fry.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty and aromatic cooking base for the vegetables.

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli

How to Cook Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat.

Toss in the ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Let the beef sizzle and turn golden brown.

Once cooked, drain away any extra fat and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, drizzle some sesame oil and add:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Stir these around for about 2 minutes until they release their incredible fragrance.

Next, drop in the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly crisp.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Water

If you want a thicker sauce, blend cornstarch with water before adding to the mixture.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli.

Pour the sauce over everything and stir gently.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce gets slightly thick and coats all the ingredients beautifully.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb alternative.

Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized taste that enhances the overall dish depth.
  • Stir-fry broccoli just until crisp-tender to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent mushiness.
  • Whisk cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce coating.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat, adjusting to personal preference and taste tolerance.
  • Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version that keeps the meal light and protein-packed.

Variations on Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Vegetarian Ground Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or crumbled extra-firm tofu for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat option that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Serve over cauliflower rice and use tamari instead of soy sauce to reduce carbohydrates. Skip cornstarch or use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.
  • Spicy Asian Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the existing sauce mixture for those who enjoy a fiery flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Quick Rice Bowl Delight: Pile the beef and broccoli mixture over steamed jasmine rice for a classic, comforting meal that brings restaurant flavors home.
  • Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Scoop the savory mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing low-carb alternative that adds crunch and freshness.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers with cauliflower rice for an easy, protein-packed lunch that stays delicious throughout the week.
  • Noodle Night Twist: Toss the beef and broccoli with hot soba or rice noodles for a quick and satisfying one-pan dinner that transforms the original recipe.

Storage Guidelines for Ground Beef and Broccoli

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer ground beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly throughout.

FAQs

  • Is ground beef healthy?

Ground beef provides protein, zinc, and vitamin B12. Choose lean varieties with less fat for a healthier option.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking to prevent watery results.

  • How do I prevent tough meat?

Cook ground beef on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Break it into small pieces for even cooking and drain excess fat.

  • What if I don't have hoisin sauce?

Substitute with a mix of soy sauce, ketchup, and honey or use barbecue sauce for a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.

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Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Ground beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers a quick Asian-inspired meal packed with protein and greens. Savory meat combines with crisp vegetables for a satisfying dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 cups broccoli florets

Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat while cooking. Eliminate excess grease and transfer beef to a separate plate.
  2. Infuse the same skillet with sesame oil, then sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 2 minutes until aromatic. Introduce broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender texture.
  3. Craft the flavor-packed sauce by whisking soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl. Blend cornstarch with water separately to create a smooth thickening agent.
  4. Reunite the cooked ground beef with the broccoli in the skillet. Cascade the sauce over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify.
  5. Elevate the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Serve atop steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a versatile meal option.

Notes

  • Trim broccoli stems to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, woody textures that can make the dish less enjoyable.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this quick stir-fry meal.
  • Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their ground beef and broccoli.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and create a versatile protein-packed dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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