Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Ground beef and broccoli is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender beef with vibrant, crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a hearty, home-cooked dish. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful recipe, plus tips, common mistakes to avoid, and serving ideas to make it a hit every time.

What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a fusion dish combining lean ground beef with fresh broccoli, cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce. Inspired by Asian stir-fries, the sauce is a mix of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil, all balanced with the warmth of ground ginger. This dish is often served over rice, making it a complete and filling meal in just one bowl. The simplicity and accessibility of this recipe make it a favorite for home cooks looking for a tasty meal without too much hassle.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef and Broccoli

Before diving into cooking, it's essential to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need fresh vegetables, ground beef, and pantry staples. Here's everything you'll need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute with vegetable or olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
• 1 lb. ground beef, lean preferred for a healthier option
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• Salt and white pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry
• 1 cup beef broth, low sodium preferred
• ¼ cup soy sauce, reduced sodium or tamari for gluten-free option
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons honey, depending on your preferred sweetness level
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger, or fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, for a rich, nutty finish

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked rice, any kind, though jasmine or basmati work best

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! This recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of substitutions you can use to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Peanut oil can be swapped for vegetable, canola, or olive oil. Peanut oil adds a bit of nutty flavor, but other oils work just as well for stir-frying.
• Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a vegetarian version, try using tofu or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
• Broccoli florets can be replaced with other sturdy vegetables like cauliflower, snap peas, or zucchini.
• Honey adds sweetness, but if you don’t have it on hand, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a bit more brown sugar will work just as well.
• Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a lower sodium option.

Want to take it up a notch? Add some red chili flakes for heat or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Here’s how to make this ground beef and broccoli recipe step-by-step.

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Start by washing and cutting your vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Pat the broccoli dry to avoid extra moisture in the pan. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it's ready to use.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and white pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Make the Sauce:
   While the vegetables cook, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Separately, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, which will help thicken the sauce later.
6. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir everything to combine. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Let everything simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
7. Serve:
   Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of warm cooked rice for a hearty meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can have their challenges. To ensure your ground beef and broccoli comes out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on it while stir-frying to maintain its bright color and crunch.
• Skipping the slurry: The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish. Don’t forget this step!
• Not draining the beef: Ground beef can release a lot of fat as it cooks. If using regular ground beef (instead of lean), drain excess grease before adding it back to the skillet.
• Cooking vegetables too long: Stir-fried vegetables should still have a slight bite to them. Overcooking will lead to soggy veggies, and they’ll lose their vibrant color.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your ground beef and broccoli can elevate the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas to make your dish look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli:

• Over Rice: The classic pairing is to serve this dish over white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. If you want to go low-carb, try serving it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• As Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture into crisp lettuce leaves and serve as wraps. It adds freshness and texture.
• Noodle Bowl: Instead of rice, you can serve this dish over cooked lo mein noodles or even whole-wheat spaghetti for a twist.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

A little attention to presentation can turn a simple meal into something special. Here are some ideas to present your ground beef and broccoli:

• Garnish with sesame seeds: A sprinkle of white or black sesame seeds adds contrast and texture to the dish.
• Chopped scallions: Freshly chopped scallions or green onions not only brighten up the plate but also add a mild, oniony flavor.
• Serve in a bowl: Bowls create a cozy and inviting presentation. Layer the rice at the bottom, followed by the beef and broccoli, and finish with your garnish on top.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Tips

• Prep in advance: To make the cooking process quicker, you can chop your vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients in advance. This will save time during the cooking process.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your dish to be more savory, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar in the sauce. For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
• Make it spicy: For those who enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a few thin slices of fresh red chili to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Ground beef and broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, and it’s ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I freeze ground beef and broccoli?
A: Absolutely. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Ground beef and broccoli is a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty lunch. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the simplicity of this comforting dish. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps, this ground beef and broccoli recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

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