Ground Beef and Broccoli
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delightful dish that combines tender ground beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal balances flavor and nutrition effortlessly. With its quick preparation time and the option to customize vegetables, it’s an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy a wholesome dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey creates a rich, tasty sauce that enhances the beef and broccoli.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe incorporates nutritious ingredients that promote well-being.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the combination of beef and broccoli, making it a go-to meal for families.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help you prepare the Ground Beef and Broccoli efficiently.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying your ground beef and vegetables evenly.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop your ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to dice onions and slice bell peppers quickly.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of liquids like soy sauce and broth for balanced flavors.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can sub vegetable or olive)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- Salt/White Pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by washing and cutting all your vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the bell pepper, and wash the broccoli florets.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add peanut oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and white pepper.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add in the broccoli florets.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it cook for another 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli!
How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.
Over Rice
- Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli mixture over a bed of fluffy rice for a classic combination. This helps absorb the delicious sauce.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the beef and broccoli filling into crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. This adds a fresh crunch and makes for fun finger food.
With Noodles
- Toss the ground beef and broccoli with cooked noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles, for a hearty meal. This variation offers a comforting twist on the original dish.
As a Salad Topping
- Use the Ground Beef and Broccoli as a protein-packed topping for salads. Pair it with mixed greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing for added flavor.
In Burritos
- Wrap the beef and broccoli filling in tortillas to create delicious burritos. Add cheese, sour cream, or salsa for an extra kick.
On Toast
- Serve the mixture on toasted bread or baguette slices for a tasty appetizer. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an elegant touch.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli
To achieve the best results when making Ground Beef and Broccoli, follow these helpful tips that ensure optimal flavor and texture.
- Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh, lean ground beef will enhance the taste of your dish and reduce excess grease.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Have all ingredients washed, chopped, and ready before you start cooking. This makes the cooking process smoother.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Cook broccoli until just tender to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value while ensuring it has a nice crunch.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your sauce before serving. Feel free to tweak soy sauce or honey levels based on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic adds robust flavor. Avoid pre-minced options if possible; fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve this dish right after cooking. It tastes best fresh!
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef and Broccoli can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs sauces beautifully while adding subtle floral notes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside the savory beef mix.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables adds nutrients and flavors that pair well with beef.
- Egg Fried Rice: Quick to make, egg fried rice is flavorful and provides an extra layer of richness to your meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances out the richness of ground beef while adding crunch.
- Sesame Noodles: These cold noodles provide a flavorful contrast with their nutty sesame taste, enhancing your Asian-inspired meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness to balance against savory flavors of beef.
- Miso Soup: A light miso soup serves as an excellent starter that warms up your palate before diving into the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef and Broccoli can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:
-
Ignoring ingredient prep: Not washing or preparing your vegetables properly can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always wash broccoli florets and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
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Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef for too long makes it tough. Brown the meat just until no longer pink for a tender result.
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Skipping the sauce mix: Forgetting to mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the broth can create lumps. Always whisk them together first.
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Using low-quality soy sauce: Cheap soy sauce can ruin the flavor of your dish. Opt for a good quality soy sauce for richer taste.
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Not adjusting seasoning: Salt and white pepper enhance flavors, but everyone’s taste is different. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
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Neglecting rice preparation: Using uncooked rice instead of pre-cooked can extend cooking time unnecessarily. Make sure your rice is ready before starting the main dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Separate into portions for easy reheating later.
Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, stirring often until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Ground Beef and Broccoli:
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it beforehand and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
What other vegetables can I add to Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! Ground Beef and Broccoli combines lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
How do I customize the sauce?
You can adjust sweetness by varying honey or brown sugar amounts. Adding chili flakes will give it a spicy kick!
Can I make Ground Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef and Broccoli is not only quick but also versatile. It satisfies cravings while allowing customization with different vegetables or sauces. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that your family will love!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together tender ground beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This nutritious meal comes together in just 30 minutes and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, ensuring everyone at the dinner table is satisfied. Serve it over rice for a classic pairing or get creative with lettuce wraps or noodles. Packed with protein and fiber, this family-friendly recipe balances taste and health effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with cold water)
- Peanut oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients: wash and chop vegetables.
- In a skillet, heat peanut oil on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and white pepper.
- Stir in diced onion and sliced bell pepper; cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add broccoli florets.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water, then add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Pour sauce over the beef mixture; stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 5–7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
