Discover the ultimate Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, a quick and easy stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, this dish is a family favorite. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Learn tips for perfecting your sauce, variations for customizing the recipe, and FAQs to make this dish your own. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking fresh, Ground Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, versatile option!
Ingredients
Main Dish
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute with vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (mixed)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Instructions
Prep Work
- In a small, covered container, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Shake until fully mixed and set aside in a cool location.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste at the end. Set aside.
Cook the Broccoli
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Beef
- Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper as desired.
- In the same skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the sliced red bell peppers and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Reduce the heat to low and return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve over freshly cooked rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A balanced, flavorful dish that’s loved by adults and kids alike.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Tips
- Perfect Rice: Use jasmine or basmati rice for the best results. Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffy grains.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of cornstarch to control the thickness of the sauce.
- Broccoli Texture: Cook the broccoli to your preferred level of tenderness; slightly crisp works best.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth for a healthier option.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickener, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Store the beef and broccoli mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with egg rolls or potstickers for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Top with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Enjoy this savory, satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ground Beef and Broccoli
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
Main Dish
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or substitute with vegetable or olive oil)
3 cups broccoli florets, washed and patted dry
1 lb. ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Salt and white pepper, to taste
Sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (mixed)
1 cup beef broth
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1-2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
For Serving
3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
Directions
- Prep Work
- In a small, covered container, combine the cornstarch and cold water. Shake until fully mixed and set aside in a cool location.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining sauce ingredients. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and adjust to taste at the end. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef
- Season the ground beef with salt and white pepper as desired.
- In the same skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the sliced red bell peppers and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Shake the cornstarch mixture and slowly stir it into the sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve
- Reduce the heat to low and return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve over freshly cooked rice.
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