This dish brings together tasty ground beef and bright green broccoli for a hearty meal! It’s quick to make, and the flavors blend just right to tickle your taste buds.
I love whipping this up on busy nights—it’s so easy! Just mix everything in a pan and you’ve got a delicious dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. Lean ground beef is great, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You could even go for a plant-based meat substitute if desired.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is preferred for its crunch, but frozen florets are convenient and work just as well. You can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a different flavor and texture.
Rice: I usually opt for brown rice for more fiber, but white rice is perfectly fine. Quinoa can also be a great substitute for a protein boost!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a smart choice if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos as a tasty alternative.
Oyster Sauce: This optional sauce adds depth of flavor. You could skip it, or try hoisin sauce as a substitute for a sweeter finish.
How Do I Sauté Broccoli to Get It Just Right?
Sautéing broccoli is key to getting that bright color and keeping it tender-crisp. Here’s how you can nail it!
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pan without overcrowding. This helps them cook evenly.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are tender but still have some crunch.
- Remove broccoli from the skillet immediately to avoid overcooking. This keeps it colorful and delicious!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes in total: around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, set it aside and keep it warm until you’re ready to serve your meal.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Brown the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil along with the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the beef into smaller pieces with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute or so, just until you can smell their wonderful fragrance filling the air.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it), stirring everything together until it’s well combined. Then, return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, mixing it in with the beef and sauces.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet. Keep stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli, which should take about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks glossy and delicious!
7. Finish:
Drizzle the sesame oil over your dish and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir to combine the flavors nicely.
8. Serve:
Serve the beef and broccoli hot over the cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a lovely touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just skip the sautéing step and add it directly to the skillet after browning the beef. You may need to cook it for an extra minute or so until it’s heated through. This saves time and still gets you great flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or prefer not to use it, soy sauce is a great substitute! You can add a bit of sugar or hoisin sauce to balance the flavor. Alternatively, try mixing soy sauce with a splash of vinegar for a similar taste without the added shellfish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrients. Just remember to adjust the cooking time so they remain tender-crisp!
