Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a hearty meal that comes together in a flash, and Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli fits that bill perfectly. Picture it: tender, bright green broccoli mingled with savory, seasoned ground beef in a rich sauce bursting with umami flavor. This dish brings the best of Asian cuisine right to your table without the complicated steps or long ingredient lists found in more elaborate recipes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend treat, this meal is sure to hit the spot!
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What’s more, this delightful recipe is not only quick to prepare but also budget-friendly. In just 35 minutes, you can serve a scrumptious dinner that feels like it was made at a restaurant. Imagine the smiles around the dinner table as the mouthwatering aroma envelops your kitchen. This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli is a true crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more. You’ll love how effortlessly it combines flavor, nutrition, and comfort in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: A harmonious blend of savory sauces and seasoned beef that’s sure to satisfy.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful broccoli makes this dish pop on your dinner plate!
- Flexible Serving: Excellent as a main dish or served over rice for a complete meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and texture. Opt for firm, bright green florets for the best results.
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: Soy sauce is a staple in many Asian dishes, offering that deep umami flavor while keeping salt levels down. Low-sodium is great for heart health.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: This adds a complex sweetness and richness to the stir-fry. If unavailable, hoisin sauce can be a tasty substitute.
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Mirin imparts a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory elements. If you don’t have it, you could use a splash of white wine or rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness from honey rounds out the flavors and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful fragrance and depth of flavor. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or fresh minced ginger): Ginger adds a warm zest that enhances the dish. Fresh ginger will have a bolder flavor than paste.
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch: This thickens your sauce, giving it a lovely glossy finish. Make a slurry with cold water if necessary.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Just a hint of sesame oil boosts the nutty flavor and aroma of the dish.
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: Offers a good balance of flavor and health. You could substitute with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different take.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion: Sweet onions provide a nice flavor base. Diced onion works too, but chunky pieces add a delightful bite.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning, adjust according to your taste.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: These crunchy seeds enhance the visual appeal and add texture. Want a bit more flavor? Fry them before using!
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias: These are more than a garnish; they add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Cooked white or brown rice (optional for serving): Great for soaking up that delicious sauce!
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Blanch the Broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil over HIGH heat, then reduce to LOW. Cover and simmer for just 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is barely fork tender. Drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. This will keep your broccoli bright and crunchy!
Whisk the Sauce: In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, and 4 teaspoons cornstarch until smooth. Set this aside as it will become your stir-fry sauce, adding a delightful depth to the beef.
Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in the same skillet over MEDIUM heat and add in 1 pound 93% lean ground beef along with 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the beef but leaving some chunks for texture, until no longer pink and the onions are starting to soften. Drain any extra grease. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine and Cook: Add the drained broccoli and the prepared stir-fry sauce into the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and wraps around the ingredients beautifully. This should take just a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasoning!
Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. Then garnish with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. Serve it over a bed of fluffy cooked white or brown rice if you desire. Enjoy!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers of your Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, warm it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. The texture may soften slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should be bright green and still have some crunch.
- For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in the soy sauce for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce.
- This recipe can also be made ahead for meal prep – just keep the rice separate to maintain its texture.
Perfect for lunch or dinner, Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli makes a wonderful weeknight meal that feels energizing yet comforting. The combination of savory beef, tender broccoli, and umami-rich sauce is one you’ll want to savor again and again. Whether served alongside rice or enjoyed on its own, this dish is bound to please the whole family. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your favorite ingredients and make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat works well in this recipe. Just cook the meat until fully browned and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari and check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them together with the beef.
How do I make it more saucy?
If you love a saucy dish, simply increase the amount of soy sauce and honey and add an additional teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. Just be mindful of the saltiness!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli dish combines tender broccoli and juicy beef in a savory sauce. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying healthy meal. Cooked in one skillet, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound, cut into small florets
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion, not diced
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias
- cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving
Instructions
- Place the broccoli in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is fully cooked and onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the broccoli and sauce, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and let rest for several minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and serve with rice if desired.
Notes
Use fresh ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
Adjust the soy sauce for desired saltiness.
Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
