This dish combines tender ground beef with crunchy broccoli in a tasty stir-fry. It’s quick to make and packs a flavor punch that everyone will enjoy!
I love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy night. Just sauté the beef, toss in the broccoli, and watch the smiles—you’ll want seconds for sure! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. You can substitute with ground turkey for a healthier option or ground pork for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen broccoli florets work too! They save prep time and cook quickly. You can also swap with other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Rice: White rice is standard here, but feel free to use brown rice for added fiber or quinoa for a protein boost. Leftover rice works well too!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice if you’re watching your salt. Tamari is perfect for a gluten-free option. For a lighter flavor, use coconut aminos.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you want a vegetarian version, try mushroom sauce or just skip it entirely if you prefer a cleaner taste.
How Do You Make the Broccoli Tender-Crisp?
Getting that perfect tender-crisp broccoli is all about timing! You want them bright green and firm while still allowing them to soak in the flavors. Follow these steps:
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet after the beef is cooked. This timing keeps them crunchy.
- Stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook!
- If you like, you can add a splash of water or broth to steam them a little while still keeping their crispness.
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking your rice and about 20 minutes for the beef and broccoli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, set it aside while you prepare the beef and broccoli. This way, everything will come together nicely!
2. Sauté the Onion:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it softens and becomes translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for an additional minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells wonderful!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure to season it with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Broccoli:
Once the beef is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli turns tender but still has a nice crunch.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce and, if you’re using it, the oyster sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken your sauce. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
8. Add Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over your dish, giving it a nice final stir to mix everything together. This will provide a lovely nutty flavor!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your ground beef and broccoli over the cooked rice. Garnish with the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Kind of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just note that the cooking times might vary slightly, especially for different types of meat or tofu, so ensure everything is cooked through before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can either skip it or use a combination of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. Another option is to use hoisin sauce, which can add a similar flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out if needed!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Just add it straight to the skillet without thawing. You might need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it heats through and becomes tender-crisp.
