Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is not only super easy to whip up, but it’s also packed with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal on your table that feels both comforting and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress!

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can serve it over rice or noodles, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Get dinner on the table in just 20 minutes—perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its savory flavors and tender broccoli, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sauce that brings everything together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! You might already have many of these items in your pantry. Here’s what you need to make Ground Beef and Broccoli:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets (see note)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground sirloin)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
• sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch!
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers if you like some heat.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free while maintaining flavor.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your broccoli florets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until they are vibrantly green with a tender-crisp texture. This step is important because it helps retain the nutrients in the broccoli while giving it that delightful crunch we all love. Once done, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Next up, add your ground beef along with minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart into small pieces as it browns. Make sure it’s mostly browned before draining off any excess fat; this keeps your dish from becoming greasy. Browning adds depth to the flavor, so be patient here!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While your beef cooks, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth. This flavorful sauce is what brings the whole dish together—so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Combine Everything

As soon as your beef has browned nicely, pour in that delicious sauce you’ve prepared. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly—this enhances all those wonderful flavors! Finally, return your sautéed broccoli to the pan and toss everything together so all ingredients are coated beautifully. Season with salt to taste before serving over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is not only quick but also incredibly versatile—here are some tips to help you nail it every time!

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets retain their crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal and texture of your dish. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
• Don’t overcook the beef: Cooking the ground beef just until it’s browned ensures it remains juicy and tender. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture, which detracts from the overall experience.
• Adjust the sauce to taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or brown sugar levels based on your preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavor profile, making it sweeter or saltier according to your palate.
• Add more veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. They add color and make the dish even healthier without much additional effort.
• Prep ahead: If you’re short on time during the week, chop your broccoli and mince garlic in advance. Storing them in airtight containers will save you valuable minutes when it’s time to cook!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Presenting your Ground Beef and Broccoli beautifully can elevate dinner from simple to spectacular! Here are some ideas for serving this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that enhances every bite.
• Red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes as a garnish can give your meal an extra kick!

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The aromatic fragrance of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of ground beef and broccoli while soaking up any remaining sauce.
• Noodles: Whether it’s udon or rice noodles, they make for a hearty base that complements this dish wonderfully.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of bright vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried in garlic adds even more color and nutrition to your meal.
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with vinegar offers a refreshing contrast to the savory beef and broccoli, making for a balanced meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful dinner experience with Ground Beef and Broccoli! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving you time on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up while making this delicious meal!

Can I use other vegetables in Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out broccoli for vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I make Ground Beef and Broccoli healthier?

To lighten things up, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and reduce the amount of brown sugar. Adding more vegetables is also a great way to boost nutrition.

What should I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe! It’s not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this dish will surely bring smiles around your table. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on how it turned out!