Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in a flash, then you’re in for a treat! Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe is one of those dishes that has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a comforting warmth that makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. The savory sauce, tender beef, and vibrant veggies create a delightful stir-fry that everyone will love.

What I adore most about this recipe is its simplicity. It requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your family’s tastes or whatever you have in your fridge. So, let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can whip this dish up in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of beef and broccoli is always a hit with both kids and adults alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!
• Savory Flavor: The rich sauce made with soy sauce and sesame oil gives this stir-fry an irresistible taste that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the veggies or protein based on what you have at home—it’s all about making it yours!
• Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. You may find them already sitting in your pantry or fridge!

• 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 make swaps based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some sliced carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color.
• Go low-carb: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or serve it over zoodles (zucchini noodles) if you’re aiming for fewer carbs.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some sriracha or chili paste to the sauce mixture for an extra kick!

How to Make Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned (about 5–7 minutes). This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor to the meat. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease afterward!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Now it’s time to add the chopped onion into the skillet. Cook until softened (about 3–5 minutes), stirring frequently. Sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which really enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

Next, toss in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Garlic adds an aromatic punch that elevates your stir-fry into something truly special.

Step 4: Incorporate Veggies

Add the frozen broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper into the mix. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crunchy. This balance keeps your veggies vibrant and full of life!

Step 5: Whisk Together Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ground ginger until smooth. This sauce will coat everything beautifully—making each bite flavorful.

Step 6: Combine Sauce with Stir-Fry

Pour this lovely sauce over your beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly before bringing it to a simmer. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely and coats your ingredients like a warm hug.

Step 7: Final Touches

Season with salt and pepper to taste before garnishing with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice to soak up all that delicious sauce! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve created something special without much fuss.

Now you’re ready to share this delightful dish with family or friends!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Cooking can be a breeze with a few helpful tricks up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Ground Beef Broccoli turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Opt for fresh garlic and bell peppers when possible to give your stir-fry an extra burst of flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches helps maintain high heat, resulting in better browning and texture. If your skillet is too full, the beef will steam instead of sear, which can affect the overall taste.

• Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or brown sugar based on your preference. This allows you to customize the dish to suit your family’s palate.

• Prep ahead: Chop your vegetables and prepare the sauce in advance. This makes cooking even quicker on busy weeknights, letting you enjoy more time with family at the dinner table.

• Use leftover rice: This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice or grains. Just reheat them while you cook the stir-fry for a seamless meal prep experience!

How to Serve Ground Beef Broccoli: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Serving Ground Beef Broccoli is as delightful as making it! Presentation makes all the difference, so let’s explore some creative ideas that will impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and beautiful texture, making your dish visually appealing.
• Chopped green onions: Adding some finely chopped green onions not only enhances color but also brings a fresh crunch that complements the savory flavors.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens up the dish, adding a zesty kick that contrasts nicely with the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Its fragrant aroma pairs wonderfully with beef stir-fry, soaking up all those delicious juices.
• Crispy spring rolls: These bite-sized treats add crunch and variety to your meal while being easy to share around the table.
• Garlic sautéed greens: Spinach or bok choy sautéed in garlic provides a nutritious balance and vibrant color that rounds out the meal.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a light contrast to the hearty beef and broccoli, cleansing your palate between bites.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’ll create a delightful dining experience that everyone will love! Enjoy every moment spent around the table with this delicious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef Broccoli recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week. It stores well and can easily be reheated, making it a convenient choice for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

• Let the ground beef broccoli cool down entirely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I use other vegetables in Ground Beef Broccoli?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure everything is cooked properly.

How do I make Ground Beef Broccoli gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This will still give you that savory flavor without the gluten.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Broccoli?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it over noodles for a hearty meal or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Ground Beef Broccoli recipe as delightful and easy to prepare as I do! It’s a wonderful way to bring together flavors in a quick stir-fry that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule. Whether it’s for dinner on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for lunch, this dish has got you covered. Enjoy making it and share it with your loved ones—happy cooking!