Sizzling Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe That Kids Love

Crafting a delectable ground beef and broccoli dish sparks culinary excitement in every home kitchen.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions that combine flavor and nutrition effortlessly.

Savory beef pairs perfectly with vibrant green broccoli florets, creating a balanced plate that satisfies hunger quickly.

Lean protein from ground beef delivers essential nutrients while crisp broccoli adds welcome texture and vitamins.

Simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes, making this recipe a weeknight champion.

Your family will appreciate the hearty, wholesome meal that feels both comforting and nutritious.

One skillet transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner everyone will request again and again.

Variations on Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Vegetarian Beef Alternative: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute, maintaining similar seasoning and cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate meal option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat, incorporating additional Korean flavor profile to the original recipe.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Tasty Rice Bowl Delight: Serve this ground beef and broccoli mixture directly over steamed white or brown rice for a classic Asian-inspired meal that's hearty and satisfying.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes on top to add extra flavor, color, and a slight crunch to the dish.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the beef and broccoli in a large shared platter with rice on the side, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion and customize their plate.
• Quick Meal Companion: Pair this recipe with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a refreshing element to the meal.

How to Store Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the ground beef and broccoli separate from rice. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Transfer the dish to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice separately to maintain best texture.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What makes ground beef and broccoli different from other stir-fry dishes?

This recipe combines lean ground beef with crisp broccoli and a sweet-savory sauce that gives it a unique Asian-inspired flavor profile, unlike traditional beef stir-fries that use sliced beef.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option while maintaining the same delicious sauce and cooking method.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

The recipe includes nutrient-rich broccoli and lean ground beef, providing a good balance of protein and vegetables. By controlling oil and using low-sodium soy sauce, you can make it a nutritious meal.

What Makes Ground Beef and Broccoli So Satisfying

• Boost Nutrition with Ease: Packed with protein from ground beef and vitamins from broccoli, this dish offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps families healthy.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust seasonings like garlic, ginger, or sweetness to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile meal for picky eaters.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking technique mean less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal together.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and crisp texture.
• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

• Beef Broth: Provides a rich liquid base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch, Cold Water: Creates a thickening agent for a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.
• Brown Sugar, Honey: Bring a balanced sweetness to the sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide intense aromatic flavor and traditional Asian-inspired seasoning.

• Peanut Oil: Offers a light cooking medium with a subtle nutty flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive Asian-inspired finishing flavor.

• Salt, White Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Rice: A classic accompaniment that completes the meal.

How to Prepare Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add some peanut oil and toss in broccoli florets.

Stir-fry the broccoli until it becomes bright green and tender, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Transfer the cooked broccoli to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef And Vegetables

Using the same skillet, brown the ground beef completely.

• Diced onion
• Chopped red bell pepper

Sprinkle salt and white pepper over the mixture.

Continue cooking until the vegetables soften and become translucent.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Cornstarch
• Cold water
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine And Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef.

Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Gently fold in the previously cooked broccoli.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Spoon the delicious beef and broccoli mixture over warm rice.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water before stir-frying to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a deep, caramelized brown crust on ground beef.
• Dissolve cornstarch completely in cold water to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute to allow ingredients to meld and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the dish.

Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers classic Asian-inspired comfort on one delicious plate. Savory meat mingles with crisp green florets, creating a quick protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 – 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Cooking and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable/olive oil)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Salt to taste
• White pepper to taste

Serving:

• 3 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious skillet and warm peanut oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Introduce broccoli florets to the hot skillet, tossing and stirring rapidly until they achieve a vibrant green color and tender texture, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Return skillet to heat and introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking until a rich golden-brown color develops.
4. Incorporate diced onion and red bell pepper into the beef, seasoning with salt and white pepper. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
5. Create a flavor-packed sauce by whisking cornstarch with cold water, then blending in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and aromatic sesame oil.
6. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and gradually thicken, creating a glossy coating over the meat and vegetables.
7. Gently fold the previously cooked broccoli back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated with the savory sauce.
8. Serve the robust beef and broccoli mixture atop a bed of steamed rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose peanut oil or swap with neutral oils like vegetable or canola for allergy-friendly options.
• Cut broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture distribution.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to reduce overall dish greasiness and calories.
• For lower-carb alternatives, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to minimize fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Quickly stir-fry vegetables to preserve crisp texture and maximize nutritional value during cooking process.
• Adjust sauce sweetness by reducing brown sugar and honey amounts for those monitoring sugar intake.
• Enhance protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg