This dish combines tender ground beef and fresh broccoli in a tasty stir-fry. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it a great weeknight dinner.
Honestly, I love how colorful it looks on the plate! Plus, it’s perfect served over rice or noodles. Your family will clean their plates—trust me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep it a bit healthier. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can work too, giving a lighter taste.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is always best here, but if you’re short on time, frozen florets are a great alternative. They cook up quickly and are just as nutritious!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives the best flavor, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Coconut aminos are a soy-free substitute that works well too!
Oyster Sauce: If you need a vegetarian option, try using mushroom sauce instead. It mimics that rich umami flavor nicely!
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use any vegetable oil. Just remember that it will miss that unique taste.
How Can I Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef perfectly is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high and add the oil before anything else.
- When you add the ground beef, don’t stir too much right away. Let it sear for a minute or two to develop color.
- Use a spatula to break it apart and keep cooking until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure to season with salt and pepper while it cooks for better flavor. Taste along the way to get it just how you like!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Sauces and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious ground beef and broccoli dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm and filling meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skillet:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will help cook everything evenly and give it a nice flavor.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant. This step adds a wonderful aroma to your dish!
3. Browning the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste while it cooks.
4. Adding the Broccoli:
Stir in the broccoli florets. Continue to stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to turn bright green and remain tender-crisp. This keeps it crunchy and delicious!
5. Mixing the Sauces:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to your dish.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Now, take the cornstarch mixed with water and stir it in. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is thick and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
7. Serving:
Finally, serve your ground beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and color. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey can cook faster, so be sure to watch it closely while browning to prevent overcooking.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. If using tofu, sauté it until golden before adding the broccoli and sauces. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your substitute!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! If using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and drain off any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Note that frozen broccoli may cook faster, so reduce the stir-frying time accordingly to keep it tender yet crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce’s moisture.
