This tasty dish features juicy ground beef tossed with fresh broccoli and a simple sauce. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any night!
You can whip this up in no time—perfect for when I’m too hungry to wait! We often enjoy it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Trust me, seconds are definitely on the menu! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat will work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best taste and texture, but frozen broccoli can be a time-saver and still works well! You could also substitute it with snow peas, green beans, or bell peppers if you prefer.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos. If you don’t have soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce can provide a different yet pleasant flavor, though it will change the dish’s profile slightly.
Oyster Sauce: While this sauce adds depth, feel free to skip it if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a vegetarian dish. You can use hoisin sauce as a substitute or just add a bit more soy sauce.
Cornstarch: This thickener is key for a nice sauce consistency. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot, or even all-purpose flour, but the texture may be a bit different.
How Do I Get the Broccoli Just Right?
Getting that vibrant, tender broccoli involves a quick blanching technique. This method brightens the color and gives just the right bite without becoming mushy.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the broccoli florets.
- Let them boil for just 2-3 minutes—until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Quickly drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them fresh and colorful!
By blanching, you also help remove some bitterness and ensure the broccoli pairs perfectly with the beef.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and delicious dish that you can whip up any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until they smell really good, being careful not to burn them!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. While cooking, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn bright green and be a little tender, but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
4. Combine the Sauces:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Then, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything together so the beef and broccoli are nicely coated with the sauces.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, pour in the cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture and sprinkle in the sesame seeds. Mix everything well to combine those delicious flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tasty ground beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked white rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, make sure to press and drain it before crumbling, and adjust the cooking time as needed until it’s heated through.
How Do I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as an alternative. Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with a bit of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce. Just be sure to cook it a little longer to remove the raw flour taste!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the beef and broccoli mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat before serving. To prevent sogginess, add the rice fresh when serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and broccoli mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
