Delicious Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe in 30 Minutes

Ground Beef & Broccoli is like a warm hug from your kitchen on a busy weeknight, combining tender beef and crisp broccoli in a glorious embrace of savory sauce. The rich aroma wafting through your home will have your family flocking to the dinner table faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.”

Picture this: You’re whisking together soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, while the sizzling sound of ground beef fills the air. This delightful dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also becomes a cherished memory shared over steaming bowls. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, Ground Beef & Broccoli promises to steal the spotlight.

I still remember when I first served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin practically licked her plate clean, declaring it her new favorite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease and more flavor; aim for 80/20 for that perfect balance.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and vibrant color; look for firm florets without yellowing.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings boldness; you can never have too much garlic in your life.
• Ginger: A small knob of fresh ginger elevates the flavor profile; peel it easily with a spoon.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without sacrificing that umami kick.
• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds richness and depth; just don’t go overboard!
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce; mix it with water before adding to prevent clumping.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions are perfect for garnish; they add freshness and color at the end.

For the Sauce:

• Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar balances the savory flavors with sweetness; adjust based on your preference.
• Water or Beef Broth: Use water to keep it simple or broth for an extra punch of flavor; both work great!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Ground Beef & Broccoli

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to make cooking sizzle. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains and it smells heavenly.

Next up, toss in minced garlic and ginger, stirring them into the beef mixture until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all you need to unlock those incredible aromas that will make even your neighbors jealous.

Now introduce those beautiful broccoli florets! Stir them into the pan alongside some water or broth to help steam them slightly until they’re bright green and tender-crisp—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

While waiting on that broccoli magic, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch slurry (that’s fancy talk for cornstarch mixed with water), and sesame oil in a separate bowl until combined. Once blended perfectly, pour this glorious mixture over your beef and broccoli in the skillet.

Increase heat slightly as you stir everything together until bubbling—a few minutes should do it. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens up beautifully while coating every morsel of deliciousness.

Finally, finish with chopped green onions scattered on top for that extra pop of color and freshness before serving hot over fluffy rice or noodles.

And there you have it! An utterly delectable Ground Beef & Broccoli that will unleash happiness at any dining table while proving you’ve got culinary skills that rival any takeout joint!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by browning the ground beef in a hot skillet. Once it’s cooked through, remove it and stir-fry the broccoli until tender-crisp. Combine both in the same pan with sauce to infuse flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping ground beef with turkey or tofu for a lighter option. You can also experiment with sauces like teriyaki or soy ginger to suit your taste buds perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so on low heat on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through to keep it juicy.

Memories of my first attempt at this dish come flooding back; I invited friends over, only to be met with raving reviews about how flavorful it was! Their compliments made me realize how much joy good food brings people together.

FAQ

What is the best type of ground beef to use for Ground Beef & Broccoli?

Using lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe as it reduces excess grease while still providing rich flavor. Aim for 85% lean meat; this allows enough fat to keep the meat juicy without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well without sacrificing taste.

Can I make Ground Beef & Broccoli ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish holds up well when prepped in advance. You can cook everything, store it in an airtight container, and then reheat when you’re ready to eat. Just keep in mind that broccoli may lose its bright green color when stored but will still taste delicious!

What should I serve with Ground Beef & Broccoli?

Serve this delightful dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that satisfies all cravings! For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead; they are great substitutes that add extra nutrition without compromising flavor.

How spicy can I make my Ground Beef & Broccoli?

You can adjust spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha directly into your sauce mix according to your preference. Start small and build up gradually so you don’t scare off those who might prefer milder flavors!

Conclusion for Ground Beef & Broccoli

Ground Beef & Broccoli is not just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and vibrancy. By following these tips and customizing it to your tastes, you’ll create a dish that pleases all palates while impressing family and friends alike! Remember, practice makes perfect—so don’t hesitate to whip this up regularly as you refine your skills!

Print

Ground Beef & Broccoli

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ground Beef & Broccoli is a quick, delicious weeknight meal that brings the flavors of a Chinese takeout favorite right to your kitchen. This dish features ground beef cooked to perfection, paired with vibrant broccoli florets and coated in a savory sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, this recipe is simple enough for novice cooks but impressive enough to earn compliments from all.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece ginger (minced)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add broccoli florets and water/broth; stir until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch slurry, and sesame oil. Pour over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet.
5. Increase heat slightly and stir until bubbling and thickened, about 2 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with turkey or tofu. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki for added flavor.