Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is just what you need! It’s one of those meals that feels special yet comes together in a snap. I love making this dish on busy weeknights when time is tight but everyone still deserves something hearty and satisfying. The vibrant green broccoli paired with tender morsels of beef makes for a colorful plate that’s sure to please.

What I adore about this recipe is its versatility. Whether it’s just a regular Tuesday night or a cozy family gathering, Ground Beef and Broccoli fits the bill. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Quick: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, dinner will be ready before you know it!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
• Family-Friendly: Kids usually love the combination of beef and broccoli, making it an easy win for parents.
• Delicious Flavor: The mix of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates a savory experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to prepare any night of the week.

For the Main Dish

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets (see note)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground sirloin)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Variations

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer poultry over beef.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add some sriracha for a kick!
• Go gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté the Broccoli

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the broccoli. Cook while tossing frequently for 3-4 minutes until it turns vibrantly green with a tender-crisp texture. This step is crucial as sautéing enhances the flavor and keeps the broccoli bright and fresh. Once done, remove it to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef along with minced garlic. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s mostly browned. Be sure to break it into small pieces as it cooks! This not only helps with even cooking but also allows more surface area for flavor absorption. If there’s excess fat, drain it or use a paper towel to soak up what you can.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While your beef is browning away, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk until smooth; this will create a rich sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything

As soon as your beef is browned nicely, pour that delightful sauce into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly—this is where all those flavors meld together! Finally, return your broccoli to the pan and toss everything well to coat in that scrumptious sauce. Season with salt to taste before serving over rice or noodles!

Enjoy your quick meal with friends or family—it’s sure to be a favorite at your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli

Making a delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is simple, but with a few extra tips, you can elevate it to the next level!

• Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets not only provide vibrant color but also retain their crunchiness, which adds texture to the dish. If you can get your hands on some locally sourced or organic broccoli, even better!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the broccoli and beef, give them room in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, which means you won’t achieve that delightful crispy texture.
• Customize your spice level: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference. If you love heat, add more; if you prefer a milder flavor, cut back or omit them entirely.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together even more beautifully. This is a great time to prepare your side dishes!
• Save leftovers creatively: If you have any leftovers, consider using them in wraps or salads for lunch the next day. The flavors hold up well and make for quick meal prep.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serving Ground Beef and Broccoli is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal truly special!

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a nice visual contrast.
• Sliced green onions: Chopped green onions bring a refreshing crunch that brightens up each bite.
• Chili oil: For those who enjoy an extra kick, drizzling a little chili oil over the top can enhance both flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Soft and fragrant jasmine rice perfectly balances the savory flavors of the beef and broccoli.
• Egg noodles: These tender noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas complements the main dish while adding more nutrients.
• Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad with a tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty nature of ground beef.

Now that you’re equipped with these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to whip up this quick and satisfying meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and ready for quick meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the beef and broccoli cool completely before storing.
• Place the dish in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to store portions.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish; cover and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

How do I make Ground Beef and Broccoli spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or serve with sriracha on the side. You can also experiment with chili oil!

Can I substitute other vegetables in Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I serve with Ground Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Ground Beef and Broccoli stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe as delightful as I do! It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy making this dish for your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy cooking!