Name: Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (Lean ground beef recommended); 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup beef broth; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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If you’re craving a dish that’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and offers a perfect balance of tender meat and vibrant greens, then Ground Beef and Broccoli is your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic combo brings together savory, garlicky ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish never fails to hit the spot and satisfy those savory cravings.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward, everyday ingredients makes this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe a breeze to prepare. Each item plays an essential role in building layers of texture, flavor, and color that transform simple components into a show-stopping meal.

1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing rich flavor or juiciness.
4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli provides a vibrant green punch and just the right crunch to balance the meat.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying to achieve that glossy, slightly caramelized finish on the beef and veggies.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic warmth and depth.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds a subtle zing and invigorating freshness that keeps the dish lively.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Key for imparting that umami-rich, salty complexity.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a silky, slightly sweet glaze that complements both beef and broccoli beautifully.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory notes with a touch of caramel sweetness.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency.
1/4 cup beef broth: Adds depth and moisture without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and rounds out the dish’s flavor profile.
Cooked rice or noodles, optional: Ideal for soaking up the irresistible sauce and making it a more filling meal.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by giving your broccoli a good wash and cutting it into small, manageable florets. Mince your garlic and fresh ginger so they’re ready to go when it’s time to add those bold flavors. This prep sets you up for a smooth cooking experience.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. If you see any excess fat, feel free to drain it off to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Push the cooked beef to one side of your skillet, and add the broccoli florets to the empty side. Stir-fry these vibrant greens for around 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a bright green shade and just soften—this way, they’ll stay lively and crisp.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Mix your minced garlic and ginger into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the fragrant aromas to develop, creating that irresistible base flavor for your dish.

Step 5: Bring on the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth, stirring well until smooth. Pour this savory mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Thicken and Season

Let the dish simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency, coating every bite with flavor. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Now your Ground Beef and Broccoli is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions really brightens this dish and offers a delightful texture contrast. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also kick up the heat just a little for those who love a bit of spice.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef and Broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the savory sauce like a charm. Alternatively, serve it over egg noodles or cauliflower rice for different textures that still complement the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try wrapping the beef and broccoli mixture in lettuce leaves for a light, handheld meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings. You could also serve it atop baked sweet potatoes for a hearty, nutritious dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Ground Beef and Broccoli has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a fantastic make-ahead option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prep in bulk, this dish freezes well. Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little water or broth to bring it back to life. Alternatively, microwaving works fine; just cover the dish and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beef for this Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can also experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce doesn’t contain gluten. It’s easy to adapt without losing any of that fantastic flavor.

How can I make the broccoli more tender?

If you prefer softer broccoli, simply cook it a bit longer during the stir-fry step or steam it briefly before adding it to the skillet. Just be careful not to overcook so it keeps its bright color and nutrients.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add chili flakes, a swirl of sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers when adding the garlic and ginger to give your Ground Beef and Broccoli an exciting spicy kick.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli reheated over rice or noodles tastes just as delicious as fresh. You can also toss it with some fresh greens or use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed peppers for a whole new meal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of those dependable, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels both hearty and fresh. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a reset button for weeknight dinners that never compromises on taste. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu, ready to be customized and enjoyed again and again.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A quick and flavorful Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and ginger. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Begin by washing and cutting the broccoli into small florets. Mince the garlic and ginger to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
Add Broccoli: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add broccoli florets to the other side. Stir-fry the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender but still crisp.
Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth. Mix until smooth to prepare the stir-fry sauce.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir well to coat evenly and allow it to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the hot ground beef and broccoli stir-fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Adjust the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce based on your preferred saltiness.
Make sure not to overcook broccoli to preserve its bright color and crunch.
This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated; however, broccoli texture may soften upon reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian