This dish combines tender ground beef and fresh broccoli in a tasty sauce that makes every bite a joy. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how colorful it looks on the plate! Plus, you can serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Easy, delicious, and full of flavor—what’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is preferred for a savory texture. You could swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option or use a plant-based meat substitute for a veggie twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli is a great substitute—just make sure to thaw it and drain excess moisture before adding.
Garlic and Ginger: Both provide a flavorful kick. You can use garlic powder or ginger paste in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh for that aromatic punch!
Soy Sauce: This is key for umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is an excellent alternative to reduce salt intake. Tamari or coconut aminos works well for a gluten-free option.
Oyster Sauce: While optional, it adds depth. For a vegetarian option, consider mushroom sauce or just increase the soy sauce a bit for flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Stir-Fry?
The heart of this dish lies in stir-frying. To master it, keep these tips in mind:
- Heat your skillet or wok well before adding oil. The oil should shimmer—this helps achieve a nice sear on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a big batch, consider cooking in two batches to avoid steaming the ingredients.
- Add the garlic and ginger after the beef is browned. This way they cook quickly and don’t burn, which can make them bitter.
- Keep the heat high throughout the stir-frying process. This helps the broccoli maintain its crispness.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it, and your stir-fries will taste amazing every time!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For Cooking and Garnishing:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You will spend around 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking, making it a quick and easy dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it up into small pieces. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain some off.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until those delightful aromas fill your kitchen!
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Now, it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Toss them into the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to get a bit tender but still crisp and bright green.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the broccoli is cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season and Serve:
Season your dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting it to your flavor preference. Once everything is nicely mixed and flavored, serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked jasmine rice.
7. Garnish:
For a final touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over your dish. This will add a nice crunch and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade Ground Beef and Broccoli!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly for leaner meats; turkey or chicken may cook faster. Tofu should be pressed to remove excess moisture, then diced and sautéed until golden.
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli is actually preferred for this dish! Just make sure to wash and cut it into small florets. You’ll want to cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s tender yet crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply adjust the cooking time as it may require less time to heat through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture if necessary. It can also be frozen for up to a month; just be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check the oyster sauce label or find a gluten-free version if desired. Enjoy the same great flavors without any gluten!
