This easy dish pairs tender ground beef with crisp broccoli in a tasty sauce. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a busy night when you want something satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing a hearty texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best for crunch. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli is a fine alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess water. You can also swap in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
Soy Sauce: Essential for flavor, but if you’re gluten-free, look for tamari; it tastes similar. Coconut aminos can also be used as a milder, soy-free option.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth and umami. For a vegetarian alternative, try mushroom sauce, which is flavorful and often found in stores. It provides a similar taste without the seafood.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a great nutty flavor that enhances the dish. If you don’t have it, a light olive oil will do in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Just use a few drops of sesame oil at the end for that flavor boost.
How Can I Make the Broccoli Perfectly Tender Yet Crisp?
Getting broccoli just right can be a challenge! You want it tender but still with a little crunch. Here’s how:
- Start with fresh broccoli florets and add them to the pan after the beef has browned.
- Stir well with the beef to coat and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Keep an eye on them! If you want them softer, you can cover the pan for a minute, but remember to remove the lid to avoid overcooking.
Adding the broccoli after the beef allows it to absorb flavors without losing that nice bite. Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or grated)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s quick and easy to whip up for a satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing Aromatics:
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful smell!
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off at this stage.
3. Adding Broccoli:
Next, toss the broccoli florets into the pan with the beef. Stir everything together so that the broccoli is well mixed with the meat. This is when the colors start to come together beautifully!
4. Saucing It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat the beef and broccoli evenly. Let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften just a bit. You’ll see how the flavors meld together!
5. Thickening the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency—yum!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the sliced green onions, and season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. This will add the perfect finishing touch!
7. Serving Up:
To serve, place a scoop of cooked rice into bowls and generously top it with the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top and add any extra green onions for garnish. Looks delicious, right?
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor every bite of your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dish! It’s a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose, so make sure everything is cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness, or simply use an additional tablespoon of soy sauce for a lighter flavor. Just adjust salt levels accordingly since hoisin can be sweeter.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the ground beef and broccoli mixture ahead of time. Just cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a pan over medium heat until warm.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove before serving!
