If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table, you’ve come to the right place! Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe is one of those meals that is not only quick to whip up but also packed with flavor. This stir-fry combines tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli and a savory sauce, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together. You can have it on the table in just about 35 minutes, which leaves plenty of time for family chats or catching up on your favorite show. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while still satisfying those hearty cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this meal ready in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dish.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Feel free to prepare the sauce ahead of time or use leftover veggies from your fridge!
- Versatile Ingredients: The recipe allows you to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- Satisfying Flavor: The savory sauce brings everything together for a tasty experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine. You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store!
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Variations
One of the best things about Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this dish to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Go gluten-free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial because browning the meat adds depth and richness to the flavor of your dish. Cook until nicely browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Next, toss in the chopped onion and cook until softened, stirring frequently—about 3–5 minutes should do. Cooking the onion until it’s translucent brings out its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice
Stir in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for just one minute until fragrant. Garlic adds an incredible aroma and kick to your stir-fry, making every bite delightful.
Step 4: Introduce Veggies
Now it’s time to add those frozen broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper! Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the broccoli becomes slightly softened but still retains some crunch. This keeps your vegetables vibrant and full of nutrients.
Step 5: Whisk Together Your Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ground ginger until smooth. This sauce will bring all those wonderful flavors together!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the prepared sauce over your beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly! Allow it to come to a simmer while cooking for another couple of minutes until thickened. It’s important here because this step ensures each bite is flavorful!
Step 7: Season & Serve
Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top as a lovely garnish before serving hot over cooked rice. Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful meal with family or friends!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Cooking can be a breeze with a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to make your Ground Beef Broccoli even better.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also provide more nutrients. If you can, swap frozen broccoli for fresh florets; just remember to adjust cooking times slightly.
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Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes, or if you love a kick, add more! This flexibility allows you to customize your meal to suit your family’s taste buds perfectly.
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Marinate the beef: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in soy sauce and ginger for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This step infuses the meat with savory goodness.
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Thicken the sauce naturally: Instead of using cornstarch, try pureeing a small amount of cooked broccoli and mixing it into the sauce. This not only thickens it but also adds an extra veggie boost!
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Make it a one-pan meal: To save on dishes, cook rice in the same pan after removing the beef and veggies. Just add water and season it well while it cooks alongside your stir-fry.
How to Serve Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Serving this delightful dish is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to take your meal to the next level!
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
- Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions bring a burst of color and freshness that brightens up every bite.
- Lime wedges: Offering lime wedges on the side allows diners to add a zesty twist that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Steamed jasmine rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce, making each bite satisfying.
- Stir-fried bok choy: Lightly stir-fried bok choy adds a crisp texture and vibrant color, making it a nutritious complement.
- Garlic sautéed green beans: Quick-cooking green beans tossed in garlic create a crunchy side that pairs wonderfully with the stir-fry.
- Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a cool contrast to the hot dish, balancing flavors perfectly.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re set to impress your family or guests with this quick and easy Ground Beef Broccoli recipe! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Ground Beef Broccoli recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Freezing
- Let the dish cool down completely before freezing.
- Portion out servings into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!
Can I use other vegetables in Ground Beef Broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything remains tender-crisp.
How do I make Ground Beef Broccoli more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your Ground Beef Broccoli, consider adding extra spices such as garlic powder or onion powder. You could also experiment with different sauces or marinades for a unique twist!
Is this Ground Beef Broccoli recipe healthy?
Yes! This recipe includes lean ground beef and plenty of nutritious vegetables. By using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added sugars, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s also mindful of health.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in preparing this Ground Beef Broccoli recipe! It’s not just quick and easy; it’s also a delightful way to bring your family together around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your thoughts or any personal twists you add to this dish! Happy cooking!
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