Ground Beef and Broccoli

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Ever caught a whiff of something so savory that it instantly brings back memories of home-cooked meals? Ground Beef and Broccoli does just that! This dish is a fantastic blend of juicy ground beef and vibrant broccoli, cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to whip up, making it the ultimate one-pan dinner for busy weeknights! Seriously, what more could you want?

Why make this recipe

You’re in for a treat with this recipe! Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Easy cleanup: Who wants to wash a ton of dishes when you could just wipe down one skillet?
• Budget-friendly: With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can serve a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can be won over by the irresistible combination of flavors! Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get those greens in. 😉

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 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:

Ready to dive in? Let’s cook!

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a bowl; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef; cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
6. Return broccoli to the pan and toss to coat evenly.

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How to make Ground Beef and Broccoli (Overview)

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze! Start by sautéing the broccoli to a perfect tender-crisp texture, then dive into browning your ground beef with minced garlic—don’t forget to drain the fat, unless you love a greasy dish. 😜 Next, whisk up that incredible sauce and bring everything together for a quick simmer. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic! It adds an irresistible depth of flavor that elevates the whole dish.

How to serve Ground Beef and Broccoli

Once it’s ready, you can serve this dish in a variety of fun ways! Try it over a fluffy bed of rice for a classic presentation, or serve alongside noodles for an Asian twist. You’ll love how the vibrant green of the broccoli pops against the deep brown beef. Imagine the aroma wafting through the air—your taste buds are already tingling!

How to store Ground Beef and Broccoli

Got leftovers? No worries! Store your Ground Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can even freeze it in single servings for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Tips to make Ground Beef and Broccoli

1. Use lean ground beef to keep it a bit healthier. You might be surprised how much flavor it still packs!
2. If you want an extra crunch, add some crushed peanuts or cashews on top just before serving.
3. Want to make it more filling? Toss in some mushrooms or bell peppers—they blend beautifully!
4. Timing is everything: Ensure your broccoli is bright green and tender but not mushy to keep that fresh crunch.
5. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes or adding some sriracha for a kick!

Variation

Want to switch it up? You could easily modify this recipe to make it vegan. Just substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use a vegan soy sauce. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for added protein without sacrificing your dietary preferences!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just add it directly to the pan and allow a bit more cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I make this ahead of time?
For sure! Cook the dish, let it cool, and then store it in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep!

What can I serve with this?
Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a healthy twist. Go crazy with flavors and textures!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring tender broccoli and juicy ground beef in a sweet and savory sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil For cooking
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen
• 1 pound lean ground beef Choose lean for a healthier option
• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced for best flavor

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Adjust according to taste
• 1/4 cup brown sugar For sweetness
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil For extra flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Optional for flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for heat
• 8-10 cranks freshly-ground black pepper To taste
• Sesame seeds Optional garnish

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a bowl; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef; cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
6. Return broccoli to the pan and toss to coat evenly.

Notes

For extra crunch, add crushed peanuts or cashews on top. For a vegan variation, use plant-based crumbles and vegan soy sauce!