Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, savory, and quick meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your need for a healthy, protein-rich dinner. This dish is inspired by the classic Chinese-American Beef and Broccoli stir-fry but uses ground beef for a faster and more economical twist. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce makes this recipe a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

What makes this dish a standout is its simplicity and versatility. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, and it pairs well with rice, noodles, or even as a standalone meal if you’re keeping things low-carb. The ground beef adds a heartiness to the dish, while the broccoli provides a nice crunch and loads of nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to become a favorite.

The Origin of Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli draws inspiration from the popular Beef and Broccoli dish that has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine. The original version typically uses flank steak or similar cuts of beef stir-fried with broccoli in a soy-based sauce, often served over rice.

While beef and broccoli may not be authentically Chinese, it became popular in American Chinese restaurants during the mid-20th century, evolving to suit Western palates. By using ground beef instead of steak, this recipe offers a quicker and more affordable alternative, but it retains all the flavors that make the dish so beloved.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash and Cut the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and slice the stalks to reduce waste. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it before cooking.
2. Mince the Garlic and Ginger: Peel and mince the garlic and ginger. These will add fresh, aromatic flavors to your dish.
3. Dice the Onion (optional): If you like a bit of sweetness and texture in your dish, dice a small onion to sauté with the ground beef.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, water (or beef broth), and cornstarch. This sauce is the key to the dish’s flavor, offering a balance of salty, sweet, and umami.
2. Set Aside: Set the sauce mixture aside while you prepare the beef and broccoli.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. If using a fattier beef, drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Add Garlic, Onion, and Ginger: Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic, onion, and ginger (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

1. Add the Broccoli: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the broccoli to the other side. If using fresh broccoli, add a splash of water to the pan and cover it for 2-3 minutes to steam the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp.
2. Stir-Fry Together: After steaming, stir the beef and broccoli together in the pan. If using frozen broccoli, simply stir-fry until it’s heated through.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Broccoli with Sauce

1. Add the Sauce: Give the sauce mixture a quick stir (the cornstarch may settle at the bottom) and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients in the sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is fully cooked but still crisp.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
2. Pair with Rice or Noodles: Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef (90/10) or even ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Steam the Broccoli First: If you’re short on time, steam the broccoli in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the skillet. This will ensure it’s perfectly cooked and saves time.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch or add more water or broth.
• Customize the Spice Level: Add more or less red pepper flakes or even fresh chili peppers to adjust the heat to your liking.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Ground Beef and Broccoli

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce. You can also toss in sliced jalapeños or Thai chilies for an added kick. Serve with a squeeze of lime for a tangy contrast.

Low-Carb Ground Beef and Broccoli

For a low-carb or keto version, replace the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or stevia. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep the carb count low.

Vegetarian Option

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meatless ground substitute. The flavor-packed sauce works just as well with vegetarian proteins.

Sweet and Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli

For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the sauce. This variation gives the dish a balanced sweet-savory flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a little sweetness in their savory dishes.

Serving Suggestions

• With Steamed Rice: This dish is commonly served with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Over Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the beef and broccoli over noodles, such as lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Side Dishes: Serve alongside egg rolls, spring rolls, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Nutritional Information

The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Broccoli is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that comes together in no time. With its savory sauce, tender broccoli, and hearty ground beef, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-style food at home.

The best part? This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or even vegetarian, Ground Beef and Broccoli is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your household. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Print

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, savory, and quick meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your need for a healthy, protein-rich dinner. This dish is inspired by the classic Chinese-American Beef and Broccoli stir-fry but uses ground beef for a faster and more economical twist. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce makes this recipe a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef and Broccoli:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   
2. Add Garlic and Ginger:
   Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger (if using) into the beef, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
   While the beef is cooking, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or steam it until it’s slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, just microwave it according to the package instructions.
   
4. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together in a separate small bowl and stir into the sauce mixture.
   
5. Add the Broccoli to the Beef:
   Add the blanched (or cooked) broccoli to the skillet with the ground beef. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coated the beef and broccoli evenly.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ground Meat Substitutions: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a leaner option.
• Broccoli Alternatives: You can swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb version.
• Add Some Heat: If you like it spicy, add a bit more red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha or chili oil on top before serving.