Recipe Introduction: This Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy 30-minute meal that combines tender ground beef with fresh vegetables in a delicious sauce. Perfect for busy weekday evenings or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Its vibrant colors and satisfying flavors make it a great way to enjoy a healthy meal that blends American and Asian tastes.
Why Choose This Dish?
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a rushed evening.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich sauce that enhances the flavor of the ground beef and broccoli.
Flexible Ingredients: Easily substitute vegetables or use frozen broccoli, adjusting to what you have on hand.
Healthy Choice: Rich in protein from ground beef and nutrients from broccoli, this is an excellent dinner option.
Family-Friendly: Kids will love the flavors and it's a great way to get them to enjoy vegetables.
Tools and Equipment Needed:
Fryer or large skillet: for cooking ground beef and vegetables.
Chef's knife: A sharp and comfortable knife, such as one with an ice-hardened blade or a unique finger hole design, is recommended.
Ingredients:
Sautéing Ingredients:
1 tablespoon peanut oil (can be substituted with vegetable oil or olive oil)
3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
Salt/white pepper (to taste)
Sauce Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cornstarch (+ 2 tablespoons cold water)
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1-2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Serving:
3 cups cooked rice (any type)
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients: Wash and cut all vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the bell pepper, and ensure the broccoli is clean.
Cooking the Ground Beef: In a frying pan or large skillet, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and sliced red bell pepper to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for another 3 minutes.
Making the Sauce: In a bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Mix well.
Combining All Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the pan. Stir to coat all ingredients. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving with Rice: Serve the Ground Beef and Broccoli hot over cooked rice. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family! Serving Suggestions
With Rice: Serve the ground beef and broccoli mixture over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the ground beef and broccoli in large lettuce leaves for added crispness.
With Noodles: Mix the ground beef and broccoli with cooked noodles (such as lo mein or rice vermicelli). The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully.
As a Filling: Use the mixture as a filling for tortillas or wraps. Add some cheese and salsa for a fresh twist on this classic Mexican dish.
With Salads: Top fresh salads with the ground beef and broccoli for added protein.
Perfect Cooking Tips
Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh broccoli enhances the flavor and crispness of the dish. Look for brightly colored broccoli florets that haven't turned yellow.
Control the Heat: Sautéing over medium-high heat helps create a delicious caramelized layer on the ground beef, adding depth to the flavor.
Use Cornstarch Wisely: Mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey to your personal taste to balance the savory elements.
Add garlic last: Add chopped garlic just before the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and ensure its fresh flavor is preserved.
Best accompaniments:
Steamed jasmine rice: Its aroma pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of ground beef and broccoli.
Garlic breadsticks: These soft, buttery breadsticks provide a wonderful contrast to savory dishes.
Stir-fried mixed vegetables: A colorful vegetable medley adds extra nutrition while keeping the dinner energized.
Asian-style cold salad: Crispy cold salads add freshness and are ideal to pair with a substantial main course.
Crispy potatoes: Baked or fried potatoes add texture and satiety, enhancing the dining experience.
Egg drop soup: This light soup is an excellent appetizer, warming the body and soul before the main course.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Ignoring cooking time: Not paying attention to cooking time can result in ingredients being overcooked or undercooked. Always follow the recommended cooking times for a perfect meal.
Using too much cornstarch: Adding too much cornstarch will make the sauce too thick and unappetizing. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced texture.
Skipping the marinating step: Unmarinated beef may result in a bland flavor. Allow the beef a few extra minutes to absorb some of the sauce before cooking.
Not preparing ingredients in advance: Chopping vegetables while cooking can slow things down. Prepare all ingredients before you begin to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Too much food in the pan: Cooking too much ground beef and broccoli at once may cause them to steam rather than simmer. Cook in batches if necessary for better caramelization.
Storage and heating instructions:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.
Freeze: Freeze Ground Beef and Broccoli in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date for identification.
Heating:
Microwave: Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm.
Fryer: Heat in a frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick and delicious dish that combines ground beef with fresh broccoli, typically served with rice. Perfect for a busy weekday evening!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish to ensure even cooking.
How do I customize Ground Beef and Broccoli?
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers. You can also adjust the sauce ingredients to your personal taste.
What can Ground Beef and Broccoli be eaten with?
This dish is delicious with steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles, offering a variety of textures!
Final Review
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is not only quick but also flexible enough for any family dinner. With several customization options, you can easily adjust it to suit your personal taste preferences. Try it today!
Reviewed by EL KATIBI MARIA
on
February 02, 2026
Rating:
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