Ground Beef and Broccoli

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli is a tasty meal that is quick and easy to make. This recipe combines soft, crunchy broccoli with juicy ground beef in a savory sauce.

It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs well with rice or noodles, making it a filling and satisfying dish for the whole family.

How To Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground sirloin)
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Directions:

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing often, until it turns bright green and is tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces, until it is mostly brown. Use a paper towel to soak up any excess fat.
3. While the beef cooks, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth.
4. Once the beef is cooked, pour the sauce into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together. Add salt to taste. Serve right away over rice or noodles, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes. It serves 4 people and each serving has about 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fat.

How To Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Serve Ground Beef and Broccoli hot over a bed of rice or noodles. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and crunch. Enjoy it with a side of your favorite steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

How To Store Ground Beef and Broccoli

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips To Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Use fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should still be crisp.
• Adjust the sauce ingredients to fit your taste; you can add more soy sauce or sugar if you like it sweeter or saltier.
• Add some cooked peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is nutritious because it includes lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein that helps build muscle. Broccoli is full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and fiber, which are good for your health. This dish is balanced with vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates when served with rice or noodles, making it a wholesome meal.

Variation (If Any)

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. If you prefer chicken or tofu, you can easily substitute those for the ground beef.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet so it doesn’t make the dish watery.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cut the broccoli and mince the garlic, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.