Ground Beef And Broccoli

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu or tempeh is a great substitute!

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a wonderful crunch. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli is a quick alternative. Just make sure to thaw it properly first to prevent extra water in the dish.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are key for flavor! Fresh is best, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can be used. Just reduce the amount slightly since they’re more concentrated.

Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is great for controlling salt levels. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari instead. You can also use coconut aminos for a milder flavor.

Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to your sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, look for mushroom oyster sauce, which mimics the flavor well.

How Do You Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking! Here’s how to get it right:

• Use a large skillet or wok for better heat distribution.
• Make sure your oil is hot before adding ingredients. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Cook in batches if necessary. Too much food in the pan can lower the temperature, leading to steaming rather than browning.
• Keep everything moving! Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning the garlic and ginger.
• Always add the sauce at the end. This will coat the ingredients nicely and keep the dish vibrant and fresh.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced or grated

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This simple and delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets. If you have frozen broccoli, just let it thaw slightly so it’s easier to cook.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned and fully cooked. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the grease in the pan to add flavor.

3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant, but be careful not to let them burn!

4. Add Broccoli:

Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. They should still be crisp and delicious!

5. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir it well until the cornstarch has dissolved completely.

6. Combine Beef and Sauce:

Now, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. It should smell amazing!

7. Serve:

Serve the flavorful ground beef and broccoli over the cooked white rice. Top it off with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like to make it extra special.

8. Enjoy:

Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade ground beef and broccoli dish! It’s quick, healthy, and so tasty!

Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Broccoli?

Absolutely! You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even bok choy. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted for the type of vegetable you choose. For instance, bell peppers may take a few extra minutes to become tender.

Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just cook them the same way you would with ground beef, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may require a minute or two less. Season as needed to enhance the flavor!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. You can also replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder if desired. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten!