This tasty dish brings together juicy ground beef and crunchy broccoli in a quick stir-fry. It’s packed with flavor and can be ready in just a flash!
I love serving it over rice for a filling meal. Plus, the colors on the plate are so bright, it feels like I’m eating something special! 🍚🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes. For a vegetarian twist, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or crumbled tofu.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best, but if you don’t have any, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.
Rice: White rice is the classic choice, but brown rice or cauliflower rice can also be good substitutes for a healthier option.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a unique depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, hoisin sauce or a bit of extra soy sauce can replace it, although the flavor will be different.
How Do You Ensure Your Broccoli is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the right texture for your broccoli is key. You want it tender but still bright and crisp. To achieve this:
- Start by adding the broccoli to the skillet after the beef is browned, so it cooks quickly.
- Keep the heat up and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer it a bit more tender, you can add a splash of water and cover the skillet to steam it for a minute.
Remember, overcooking can make it mushy, so keep an eye on it!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy to make—a perfect dinner solution for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Aromatics:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir everything for about 30 seconds, just until it begins to smell wonderful and fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart into crumbles. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned. If there’s any excess grease, be sure to drain it off before moving to the next step.
3. Add the Broccoli:
Now, it’s time to mix in the broccoli florets. Stir them into the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a little crunch to it—yum!
4. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Mix them well and then pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken and coat the beef and broccoli for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Finish with Flavor:
Once the sauce has thickened, drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and mix well. Take a moment to taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your ground beef and broccoli is ready to be served! Spoon the mixture over bowls of cooked white rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy this delightful meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats like turkey, which may cook faster than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it until warmed through, or reheat on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help with moisture while reheating.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli beforehand and drain any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming watery. You can sauté it directly from frozen, but it may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for a similar sweetness. Keep in mind that these alternatives may change the flavor slightly, but they will still complement the dish nicely!
