Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli, all enveloped in a rich stir-fry sauce. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick cooking time of just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this recipe stands out for its flavorful simplicity and versatility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepare a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful: The combination of savory beef and slightly sweet sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile: Customize it with different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this satisfying dish over rice.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutritious broccoli and lean protein, this dish is a wholesome choice.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Ideal for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients when stir-frying.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for preparing sauces and combining ingredients without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best flavor balance.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without damaging your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and 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

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by mixing the cornstarch with cold water in a small container. Shake or stir well to combine. In another bowl, mix together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (adjust later if needed), garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set both mixtures aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss them to coat in the oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they are slightly softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper according to your preference. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with diced onions. Cook until browned and crumbled through. If there is excess grease, drain it off. Next, add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce into the skillet with beef and veggies. Bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. Give your cornstarch mixture another shake before slowly stirring it into the sauce. Allow it to bubble gently until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Reduce heat to low, then return cooked broccoli back into the pan with other ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. Serve hot over cooked rice. Feel free to garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts if desired! Enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serving Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the dish over fluffy rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite delicious.

With Noodles

• Pair Ground Beef and Broccoli with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon. This adds a different texture and makes it more satisfying.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap the beef and broccoli mixture. It’s fresh, crunchy, and perfect for a light meal.

Topped with Nuts

• Garnish your dish with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch. This enhances both flavor and texture.

With Extra Sauce

• If you love sauce, serve additional stir-fry sauce on the side. This allows everyone to customize their servings.

Alongside a Salad

• A simple green salad pairs well with Ground Beef and Broccoli, adding freshness. Consider a sesame ginger dressing to complement the flavors.

How to Perfect Ground Beef and Broccoli

Creating the ultimate Ground Beef and Broccoli involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality ground beef make a significant difference in taste and texture.
• Control Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures that the beef browns nicely without becoming tough.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before serving; adjust sweetness with honey or brown sugar according to your preference.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Keep broccoli slightly crisp by not overcooking it during the stir-fry process.
• Mix Sauce Well: Ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to avoid clumps.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Toppings like sesame seeds or green onions add visual appeal and enhance flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Complementing your Ground Beef and Broccoli with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that pair beautifully with this dish.

1. Steamed Rice: Classic white or brown rice absorbs the flavors of the stir-fry sauce wonderfully.
2. Fried Rice: A quick fried rice loaded with vegetables adds extra flavor and texture to your meal.
3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing offers refreshing contrast.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as an unexpected but tasty side for mopping up any remaining sauce.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings comfort while complementing the Asian-inspired flavors of the main dish.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide added nutrients and color on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is key to making the best Ground Beef and Broccoli. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much oil: Adding excess oil can make the dish greasy. Start with a tablespoon and adjust if necessary.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long can make it mushy. Aim for crisp-tender florets by cooking for only 4-5 minutes.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Ensure you taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Skipping the cornstarch mixture: Ignoring this step may lead to a watery sauce. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce.
• Using low-quality beef: Low-fat ground beef may dry out during cooking. Choose high-quality ground beef for better flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Ground Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Place the dish in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-4 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

You can definitely substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option while still enjoying the flavors of Ground Beef and Broccoli.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, consider including red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when cooking the beef or broccoli.

What type of rice pairs best with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Long-grain white rice is a classic choice, but brown rice or jasmine rice also complement this meal nicely.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can include vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Broccoli is not only quick but also deliciously versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preference. This dish makes for a satisfying meal that your whole family will enjoy—so why not give it a try tonight?

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