Craving a dinner that’s both quick and incredibly flavorful? This ground beef and broccoli recipe is your perfect weeknight solution. It delivers a delicious, savory stir-fry straight to your table in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, featuring tender ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli coated in an irresistible homemade sauce. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal that’s easy, versatile, and packed with flavor!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons:
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short.
- Simple, Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt it with what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: A savory and slightly sweet sauce appeals to all ages.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed Option: Lean ground beef and fresh broccoli make a nutritious meal.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: Stores wonderfully, making future meals a breeze.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic ground beef and broccoli stir-fry. You likely have many of them in your pantry already!
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil, can sub vegetable or olive
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt/White Pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked rice, any kind (for serving)
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this ground beef and broccoli recipe to fit your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
- Oil: Peanut oil adds great flavor, but vegetable or olive oil works perfectly well.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets are best, but frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw and pat it dry first for the best results.
- Ground Meat: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness if desired. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your taste. Maple syrup is another good sweetener.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this delightful ground beef and broccoli recipe. These kitchen essentials will help you get the job done efficiently.
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For preparing vegetables and aromatics.
- Mixing bowls: To whisk together the sauce and cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk: For smooth sauce consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Rice cooker (optional): Simplifies cooking perfect fluffy rice.
How To Make Ground beef and broccoli
Creating this delicious ground beef and broccoli recipe is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps for a perfect stir-fry every time.
Prep Work
First, get your ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a covered container. Shake it well to create a smooth slurry, then set it aside in a cool place. This prevents lumps.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Chop all your vegetables: dice the yellow onion, slice the red bell pepper, and ensure your broccoli florets are washed and patted dry.
Cook the Broccoli
Achieving perfectly tender-crisp broccoli is key for this ground beef and broccoli dish.
- Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets to the hot oil and toss them to coat evenly.
- Sauté the broccoli for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes slightly softened but still retains a nice bite.
- Remove the cooked broccoli from the pan and set it aside in a bowl.
Cook the Beef & Aromatics
Now it’s time to build the savory foundation of your ground beef and broccoli stir fry.
- Add the ground beef to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and white pepper as desired.
- Crumble the ground beef as it cooks, stirring frequently, until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced yellow onions to the pan with the beef, cooking until softened.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan completely. This step is crucial for a cleaner, less greasy stir-fry.
- Stir in the sliced red bell peppers and cook for just 1 minute until they start to soften slightly but remain crisp.
Create the Flavorful Sauce
This homemade sauce is what ties your ground beef and broccoli stir fry together beautifully.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture (beef broth, soy sauce, etc.) directly into the pan with the cooked beef and vegetables.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes; this helps deepen its flavor.
- Give your cornstarch slurry another quick shake, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir gently.
- Let the sauce bubble gently for another minute or two, cooking until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
The final steps bring all the delicious components of your ground beef and broccoli recipe together.
- Reduce the heat to low. Return the cooked broccoli florets to the pan with the thickened sauce and beef mixture.
- Stir everything gently to ensure the broccoli is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce and heated through.
- Garnish your vibrant stir-fry with fresh green onions for a touch of freshness and color.
- Serve this delightful ground beef and broccoli dish immediately, hot and steaming, over a generous portion of cooked rice. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will help you master this ground beef and broccoli recipe and troubleshoot common issues, ensuring a perfect meal every time.
Perfecting Broccoli Texture
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook broccoli in batches if necessary to ensure it steams, not just boils.
- Blanching or steaming first: For extra tender-crisp results, you can quickly blanch or steam the broccoli before stir-frying.
- Achieving tender-crisp consistency: Aim for bright green, slightly softened florets that still have a pleasant bite.
Flavor Boosters & Adjustments
- Add chicken bouillon to rice: Cook your rice with a pinch of chicken bouillon for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Customize spice level: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
- Balance sweet and savory: Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust honey or brown sugar for more sweetness, or a splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
- Enhance umami with mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms cooked with the beef add a wonderful savory depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking broccoli: Mushy broccoli is no fun. Remove it from the pan when it reaches tender-crisp.
- Not draining beef grease: Excess grease makes the stir-fry oily and can prevent the sauce from coating properly.
- Uneven sauce thickening: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and added slowly while stirring.
- Adding cornstarch too fast: This can create lumps. Stir constantly as you drizzle in the slurry.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for custom meals, meal prep, and enjoying delicious leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over various rice types: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are classic choices.
- Pair with noodles or quinoa: For a different texture, serve over lo mein noodles, ramen, or healthy quinoa.
- Add extra garnishes: Top with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and crunch.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers securely: Store any remaining stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing instructions for meal prep: This dish freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Best reheating methods: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Alternative proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Adding more vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots, snap peas, sliced mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrients and color.
- Making it keto-friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, and use a sugar substitute in the sauce.
- Adjusting sweetness: Reduce or increase the brown sugar and honey to suit your dietary needs or personal preference.
Nutrition
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for your flavorful ground beef and broccoli recipe. This data is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable with numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar management. Healthline provides a comprehensive overview of broccoli’s health advantages.
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 488 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 1138 mg |
| Potassium | 842 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
| Vitamin A | 1357 IU |
| Vitamin C | 102 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized dietary advice.
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious ground beef and broccoli recipe.
What kind of ground beef is best?
Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for less grease and a healthier option.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! Thaw it completely and pat it very dry before cooking to avoid excess water.
How to make the sauce thicker?
Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and add it slowly. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute or two after adding the slurry.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the sauce and chop vegetables ahead of time. The cooked stir-fry stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a few drops of chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This ground beef and broccoli recipe truly delivers on flavor, simplicity, and speed, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. You’ll love how easy it is to bring a restaurant-quality stir-fry to your family table in no time. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite! We can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy it. Please share your thoughts and any delicious variations in the comments below!
The Best Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe – 4 Easy steps
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil can sub vegetable or olive
- 3 cups broccoli florets washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- Salt/White Pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked rice any kind
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine cornstarch with cold water in a covered container, shake well, and set aside.
- Mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1-2 tablespoons honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl; set aside.
Cooking
- Heat oil over medium heat, add broccoli, and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened, then remove and set aside.
- Season ground beef and cook with diced onions over medium-high heat until browned; drain grease. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for one minute.
- Add the prepared sauce mixture to the pan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Reduce heat to low, return the broccoli to the pan, and stir to heat through. Garnish with green onions (not listed as ingredient, assuming it’s a garnish suggestion) and serve immediately over cooked rice.