This tasty dish combines savory ground beef with fresh broccoli, all drenched in a sweet and salty sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how it brings together flavors and colors on my plate. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens—my kids never complain about broccoli when it’s in this dish! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing protein and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition. If you’re out of broccoli, feel free to substitute with snap peas, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor; however, low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a lighter option. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can skip it or use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative.
Sesame Oil: This gives a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil, but you might miss that rich taste. For a stronger flavor, toasted sesame oil is a great choice in smaller amounts.
How Can I Cook the Beef Perfectly?
Cooking the beef is crucial for the dish’s success. You want it nicely browned and flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat sesame oil in the skillet until hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic and ginger first. They should sizzle—don’t let them burn!
- Then, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and let it cook without stirring for a minute. This helps create a nice sear.
- Cook until fully browned, remember to drain excess fat if it’s greasy. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
These steps ensure your beef is tasty and adds a great foundation for the dish. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll need around 25 minutes in total. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until you can smell their wonderful aroma!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain some off.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Now, toss in the broccoli florets! Stir them with the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is starting to get tender. Keep stirring so everything cooks evenly.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch mixture, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything really well to combine, and let it cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
5. Season and Serve:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste. If you find the mixture a little dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to make it saucier. Serve the beef and broccoli over the cooked white rice. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—about 7-10 minutes for turkey or chicken, and 5-7 minutes for cubed tofu until heated through.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can either leave it out or substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce for a similar flavor. If you want a little sweetness, add a splash of hoisin sauce or a bit more brown sugar to taste.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works great in this recipe. Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes until the broccoli is heated through and tender. It’s a convenient option and still delivers fantastic flavor!
