What is that one thing that changed our house? What is the best combination of ground beef and broccoli? What is a super quick, super delicious, and slightly healthier take on Chinese takeout? Is it easier to make a stir-fry from scratch? I can whip up a meal when I’m feeling drained after working hard. It’s one of those meals that I love to cook. The results are always consistently satisfying. My picky eaters gobble it up, which is a HUGE win in my book. What is the perfect combination of ground beef, broccoli, and sauce? I never would have thought that simple ingredients could create something so irresistibly good.

What is ground beef and broccoli?

What is ground beef and broccoli? What is essentially a simplified version of beef and broccoli stir-fry? Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef cooked to perfection, then tossed with vibrant, slightly crisp, green onions. What are some of the best broccoli florets in a savory sauce? Is it like deconstructed takeout? You probably already have! It’s infinitely customizable to your spice preference. What is your new go-to recipe for a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly meal? I don’t have time or energy. ) for anything complicated.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are SO many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe.

The Flavour is incredible: Seriously, the combination of savory ground beef, slightly sweet broccoli, and that rich, umami sauce is just divine. It’s one of those dishes that hits ALL the right notes. If you love the taste of a traditional Chinese takeout, but you want a healthier and easier alternative, this is it.
It’s ridiculously simple: This recipe requires minimal chopping, minimal prep, and comes together in under 30 minutes. This is the lifesaver dinner. I promise you, even on your busiest weeknights, you can make this happen.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is generally more affordable than steak or other cuts of beef, making this a very budget-conscious meal. Broccoli is also a relatively inexpensive veggie, especially when it’s in season.
It’s so versatile: This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! You can add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even swap out the sauce ingredients to create different flavor profiles. It’s amazing over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. My neighbor said it would be good in lettuce wraps, and I think they’re right!

What I love most about this is that it satisfies that takeout craving without any of the guilt. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into my family’s diet. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!

How do I make ground beef and broccoli?

Quick Overview

How do you make Ground Beef and Broccoli? What is the best way to brown ground beef, steam or saute the broccoli, whip up a quick sauce, and then serve. Toss it all together. What is the best thing to do on a weeknight? I promise, even if you’re not a confident cook, you can nail this recipe. Is the sauce the key? I have never had a sauce quite like this one and that’s what sets it apart from other Beef and Lamb dishes. What are Broccoli

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef and Broccoli: For a vegetarian: Ground beef

1 pound ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor) . (The flavor is similar to the flavor of the onion
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets.
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove clove
1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or 12 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped onion.

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or honey) is good for a child.
1 tablespoon cornstarch. 1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar per 1 cup of water.
1 teaspoon sesame oil per 1 cup.
1/2 cup beef broth or water.
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. I always drain off any excess grease. I find it makes the flavors cleaner. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. If you’re using onions, add them with the beef and cook until softened.

Step 2: Steam or Saute the Broccoli

Is it safe to steam broccoli or saute it in a skillet? Is sauteing healthier than steaming? If steaming, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. If sauteing, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet with the beef and add the broccoli. Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. I sometimes just add a bit of water and cover to kind of steam them right in the pan! Why do you want green hair?

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the beef and broccoli are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and rice. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sesame oil, beef broth, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large skillet, pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes. It should be glossy and coat the beef and broccoli nicely. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or water.

Step 5: Serve!

Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli hot over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired. I find a good bed of rice is the perfect way to soak up that amazing sauce.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ways to take your meal to the next level? To the next level: What are some of the best * **Steamed Rice:** A classic pairing! The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly. I prefer jasmine rice, but any type of rice will work. ** Lo mein noodles or even spaghetti noodles work great with this dish. What is the best way to serve cauliflower rice? ** For a low-carb option, serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli over cauliflower rice. What are some healthy alternatives to spring rolls? ** Add some crispy appetizers to your meal. * **Wonton Soup: What is a good starter soup? My family likes it with some spicy kimchi on the side, because they love spicy flavor with this. Is kimchi a bad thing?

What are some tips for perfecting ground beef and broccoli?

Okay, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the BEST Ground Beef and Broccoli:

Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli is just sad and nobody wants that. If you steam it, keep a close eye on it. If you saute it, make sure to add a little water to help it cook evenly and quickly.
Use good quality soy sauce: The soy sauce is a key ingredient in the sauce, so make sure to use a good quality one. Low sodium is preferred, so you can control the saltiness of the dish. I’ve noticed a huge difference when I use the cheap stuff!
Adjust the sauce to your liking: The sauce is totally customizable. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar or honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust as you go!
Don’t skip the sesame oil: The sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the sauce. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big difference.
Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add so much more flavor than the dried versions. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to mince them.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Try adding other veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, or try using a different protein, like ground turkey or chicken.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do I properly store and reheat Ground Beef and Broccoli? What is it like to try something new for the very first time? * **Refrigerating: ** Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Can last for up to 3-4 days. * **Freezing: ** For longer storage, you can freeze ground beef and broccoli. Let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Can you freeze it for up to 3 months? If I know I’m freezing it, I undercook the broccoli just a little so it doesn’t get too mushy. Is this healthy? * **Reheating: What is the best way to reheat ground beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat? Add a splash of water or broth to help it rehydrate. If you reheat it in the microwave, it may not be as evenly heated.

What are the most frequently asked questions?

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Can you thaw a chicken breast? If so, then pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. Frozen broccoli tends to release a lot of water, so you want to remove as much moisture as possible. How do I avoid watery sauce?

Can I make this vegetarian?

Can you substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu? Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

What are some good side dishes to serve with a grilled chicken? Just add the mushrooms to the skillet along with the broccoli.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Can you cook ground beef and broccoli ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator? When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the sauce. Can you make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out. Stir well until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

What is your go-to ground beef and broccoli recipe? I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does. What are some good ways to get more veggies in your diet? What are some easy weeknight meals to make? What is your favorite recipe and why?