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; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ cup beef broth or water; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Cooked rice, as needed (for serving)

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about this Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry that makes it a household favorite. Juicy, savory ground beef mingles perfectly with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that balances soy, oyster, and ginger flavors beautifully. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch, satisfying both the need for a quick meal and the craving for something homey and delicious.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s character. From the fresh broccoli’s crunch to the beef’s rich savoriness and the bold umami of the sauces, everything comes together in harmony.

1 pound ground beef: The star protein, providing hearty flavor and texture.
4 cups broccoli florets: Adds bright green color and a satisfying crunch.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, aromatic base flavor.
1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Offers that subtle zing and freshness.
¼ cup soy sauce: Brings salty, savory depth to the sauce.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it wonderfully cling to the beef and broccoli.
½ cup beef broth or water: Creates the sauce base, keeping everything moist.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Cooked rice (for serving): The perfect, comforting vehicle to soak up every bite of sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) in a bowl until everything is well combined. This tasty mixture is what brings all the ingredients together with a lovely glossy finish, so set it aside for now.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook it until beautifully browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat rendered, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once your beef has a nice color and is nearly cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir it all together for a minute or two until the kitchen smells heavenly and those flavors bloom.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Broccoli

Now add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry them with the beef. You want them tender but still crisp, so about 3 to 4 minutes is just right—this texture contrast makes the dish exciting with every bite.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking

Pour your sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up nicely. This step seals in all the flavors, ensuring every bite is saucy and satisfying.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Give your dish a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Finally, serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh finishing touch.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Green onions are a classic garnish, adding just a touch of sharp freshness. But feel free to go wild—sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can bring an extra nutty aroma, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a fun kick if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier feel. You could also serve it alongside fried rice or noodles to turn it into a more filling, family-style feast. A crisp Asian slaw or light cucumber salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the savory beef and broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stuffing the Ground Beef and Broccoli mixture into lettuce cups for a handheld treat or spooning it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Another idea is to use it as a filling for savory crepes or wraps, turning a casual dinner into a crowd-pleasing hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Broccoli keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the rice separate if possible, so it stays fluffy and doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save leftovers long-term, this dish freezes well. Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, and stir occasionally to warm everything evenly. The dish tastes just as great the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter alternative, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Just be sure to brown it well and adjust seasonings as needed to keep the dish flavorful.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp in this dish?

Timing is everything. Stir-fry the broccoli for just a few minutes until it’s tender but still bright green and crisp. Overcooking can cause it to turn mushy and lose that vibrant texture.

Is oyster sauce necessary or can I substitute it?

Oyster sauce adds a unique depth and slight sweetness that’s hard to replace exactly. However, you can substitute hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce if needed, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can! Swap out ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Using mushroom-based oyster sauce can keep the umami flavor intact.

What’s the best rice to serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Classic steamed jasmine or long-grain white rice works beautifully by soaking up the sauce. Brown rice is a great whole-grain option that adds nuttiness and extra fiber, making the meal more wholesome.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of those reliable, comforting dishes that never fails to impress. It’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve to friends and family with pride. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s a go-to meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table every time.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 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 that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is cooked with fresh broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger, then simmered in a savory soy-oyster sauce mixture. Serve it over steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) together until well combined. Set aside.
Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger with the browned beef, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry with the beef for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Season to taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt.
Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
Ensure broccoli florets are bite-sized for even cooking.
Cooked rice can be brown or white depending on preference.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili during the garlic and ginger step.

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