This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a simple and tasty stir-fry that will make your dinner routine exciting! With tender beef and fresh broccoli, it’s colorful and hearty.
You know you can’t resist the tasty sauce that brings it all together! I love serving it over rice for a complete meal that feels special, but it’s super easy to whip up too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter taste. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh; just sauté them until golden.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for its crunch and color, but frozen florets work in a pinch. Try using other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for variety. Just keep the cooking time to ensure crispness!
Soy Sauce: Look for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re keeping salt intake in check. Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute, while coconut aminos offer a sweeter alternative.
Oyster Sauce: If you need a vegetarian option, mushroom sauce provides a similar umami flavor. You can also use hoisin sauce for sweetness but adjust the amount to taste.
How Can I Make My Broccoli Cooked Just Right?
Getting broccoli perfectly tender-crisp can be tricky. You’ll want it bright green but not mushy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Steam or blanch broccoli for just 3-4 minutes. This keeps the vibrant color.
- Check if they’re tender by poking with a fork. If it goes through with slight resistance, they’re ready!
- Immediately drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This preserves the crunch!
These techniques will ensure your broccoli is a flavorful and colorful part of the dish! Enjoy your cooking!
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 (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Flavor:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have it ready to serve quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, or until you start to smell their delicious fragrance!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Continue to cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to make it tasty.
3. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, grab another pot and steam or blanch the broccoli florets. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add a few tablespoons of water to create a nice slurry. This will be the delicious sauce that brings everything together!
5. Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce:
Once your beef is cooked, toss the steamed broccoli into the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Allow it all to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and broccoli.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over cooked white rice. To finish, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just note that it may result in a slightly different flavor. Cook the turkey the same way as you would the beef, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through before adding the broccoli and sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar to mimic the sweet and salty taste. Just keep in mind the overall flavor may vary a bit.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure all veggies are tender and well cooked along with the broccoli.
