Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Nothing warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds quite like a classic home-cooked meal. One such dish that consistently delivers is Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli. This delightful Asian-inspired main course beautifully balances the hearty flavor of savory ground beef with tender broccoli, all enveloped in a rich sauce that brings everything together perfectly. In just about 35 minutes, you can whip up this nourishing dish that’s not only budget-friendly but also a hit among family and friends.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli for dinner. The enticing aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family in, eager for a taste. It was a simple weeknight meal, yet it felt special—like something you might order from your favorite takeout spot. The best part? It was infinitely better than those pre-packaged versions because I could control the ingredients, ensuring each bite was packed with flavor. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, and I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just 35 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sauces makes every bite bursts with umami goodness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright green broccoli against the savory beef makes for a vibrant plate.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own—great for any meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for lower-carb diets by skipping the rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 head or 2 crowns broccoli, about 1 pound, cut into small florets: Fresh broccoli provides a nutritious crunch and bright color. You can substitute with frozen if you’re in a pinch, but fresh will retain better texture.
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce: This salty-sweet sauce provides umami depth. Feel free to use tamari for gluten-free options.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the beef beautifully. You can omit this if necessary, but it’s worth including for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon mirin rice wine: Offers a touch of sweetness and depth. If you don’t have mirin, a mixture of sugar and water can work as a substitute.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness to balance the salty elements. Agave syrup can be a good alternative.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings aromatic flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste, or fresh minced ginger: Enhances the dish with its warming spice. Ground ginger works as well, but fresh is preferable for that unique zing.
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch: This is used to thicken your sauce. You can swap this for arrowroot for a gluten-free option.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: It gives a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, olive oil is a reasonable substitute, but the flavor will differ.
- 1 pound 93% lean ground beef: This is the star of the show! You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion, not diced: The sweetness of yellow onion enhances the depth of the dish. You can swap it for red onion for a sharper taste.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Helps to bring out the flavors. Use it sparingly, tasting as you go.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a kick. You can use white pepper if you prefer a milder spice.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: These make a beautiful garnish and add a delightful crunch.
- 2 green onions, sliced on the bias: Fresh green onions add a burst of color and flavor to finish the dish.
- Cooked white or brown rice, optional for serving: Serve over rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can also be good choices for a twist.
How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prepare the broccoli: Place the broccoli in a 12-inch skillet and add enough water to come halfway up the sides, then bring it to a boil over HIGH heat. Lower the heat to LOW, cover, and simmer it for 2 minutes or just until it’s barely fork-tender. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool to the touch, stopping further cooking. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients. Wipe the skillet dry for later use.
Mix 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 everything is well blended. Set this aside; it’s the magic that will bring your dish together.
Cook the beef: Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in that same skillet over MEDIUM heat before adding 1 pound of 93% lean ground beef and 1 cup coarsely chopped sweet yellow onion. As it cooks, be sure to break up the beef while leaving some chunky texture — this adds to the dish’s heartiness. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked through and the onion softens. Drain any excess grease before returning the skillet to the heat. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine ingredients: Next, add the partially cooked broccoli and the prepared stir-fry sauce to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated. This should take just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the broccoli. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green onions. Dish it up over your choice of cooked white or brown rice if desired. Enjoy every bite of your delectable Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours; for longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When storing in the fridge, use a glass or BPA-free plastic container to keep it fresh. You can also freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Just know that the broccoli may become softer after reheating.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain that fresh vibrant color and crunchy texture—perfectly tender but not mushy is the goal!
- For extra flavor, try marinating the ground beef in a little soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make sure all ingredients are prepped ahead of time, as the cooking process is quick, and you won’t want to scramble while everything is heating.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.
- To adjust the spice level, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a little kick.
- This dish can easily be made ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal; just reheat and serve!
Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli is a perfect midweek dinner that anyone can whip up with a bit of prep. You’ll appreciate its flavors and the joy of crafting something delicious at home. Get creative with this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste. Dive in and savor the experience! Enjoy the satisfying tastes and cheerful moments gathered around the table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other proteins besides ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even finely chopped tofu can work beautifully in this recipe. Each alternative brings a unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary preferences.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make an Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli vegetarian, substitute the beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce in your sauce mixture. This will yield a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy!
Can I double the recipe for larger servings?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients while keeping the cooking times about the same. Just be mindful of not overcrowding the pan, as this might cause the ingredients to steam instead of brown nicely.
How do I know when my beef is cooked through?
Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. The meat should also be browned and crumbly, with no pink visible. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
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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: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli is perfect for a quick dinner. With its savory sauce and tender beef, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor.
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 over high heat, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to the touch. Set aside.
- In a measuring cup, whisk the soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and cornstarch until combined. Set aside.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease, season with salt and pepper, and mix in the broccoli and stir fry sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and is well incorporated, then remove from heat and let rest.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with rice if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
