This ground beef and broccoli recipe is a quick and delicious meal that combines savory flavors with the freshness of broccoli. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
You may need to visit the supermarket for some of the ingredients in this recipe. Oyster sauce is a flavorful condiment often used in Asian cuisine. Cooking sherry adds depth to the dish, while fresh ginger provides a hint of spice. Make sure to grab these items if you don't have them at home.
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Lean ground beef: Provides the main protein for the dish, making it hearty and filling.
Vegetable oil: Used to cook the beef, adding a subtle flavor and preventing sticking.
Garlic cloves: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the garlic.
Broccoli: Adds a fresh, healthy component to balance the meal.
Oyster sauce: A savory sauce that enriches the overall taste.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth consistency.
Cooking sherry: Adds a layer of depth and complexity to the sauce.
Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor.
Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
One reader, Hulda Collins says:
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is a winner! The flavors blend perfectly, and the sauce is deliciously savory. It's quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. My family loved it, and we'll definitely be making it again. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required
How to steam broccoli: Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly tender. How to cook ground beef: Add oil and ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat, cook for 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through, breaking up the meat after a crust has formed. How to make sauce: Whisk together oyster sauce, cornstarch, cooking sherry, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined. How to thicken sauce: Stir the sauce into the pan with other ingredients and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
How To Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Toss a quick dinner with this beef and broccoli recipe! This meaty and flavorful dish is cooked in a slightly sweet sauce made with sherry and oyster sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbslean ground beef,(85/15)
- 1tbspvegetable oil
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 2tspginger,minced
- 1lbbroccoli,cut into bite size chunks
For Sauce:
- ½cupoyster sauce
- 1tbspcornstarch
- ¼cupcooking sherry
- 1tbspsoy sauce,low sodium
- 1tbspsugar
Instructions
-
Whisk the oyster sauce, cornstarch, cooking sherry, soy sauce, and sugar together. Set aside.
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Steam the broccoli slightly in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes in a covered microwave-safe bowl.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and ground beef. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until cooked through, breaking up after a crust has formed. Drain the fat.
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Add the garlic and ginger to the pan, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Stir in the broccoli and sauce, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes for the sauce to thicken, until well combined.
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Serve warm over rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 369.70kcal
- Fat: 25.38g
- Saturated Fat: 8.79g
- Trans Fat: 1.36g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.74g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.05g
- Carbohydrates: 12.02g
- Fiber: 2.11g
- Sugar: 3.44g
- Protein: 22.23g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 902.97mg
- Calcium: 66.81mg
- Potassium: 580.43mg
- Iron: 2.87mg
- Vitamin A: 27.97µg
- Vitamin C: 67.80mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Results
To ensure your broccoli retains its vibrant green color and crisp texture, blanch it in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes before steaming in the microwave. This will also help to remove any bitterness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ground Beef and Broccoli
Pre-mix the sauce: Whisk the oyster sauce, cornstarch, cooking sherry, soy sauce, and sugar together ahead of time and store in the fridge.
Use pre-cut broccoli: Save time by buying pre-cut broccoli florets from the store.
Microwave the broccoli: Steam the broccoli in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes to speed up the cooking process.
Pre-minced garlic and ginger: Purchase pre-minced garlic and ginger to cut down on prep time.
Cook rice in advance: Prepare your rice ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Substitute Ingredients For Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a subtle, pleasant flavor.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch and provides a similar garlicky flavor.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can replace fresh ginger, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.
broccoli - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower has a similar texture and can be used as a low-carb alternative.
oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce offers a similar sweet and savory flavor, though it is slightly thicker.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a good thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.
cooking sherry - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine provides a similar depth of flavor and acidity.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, though it is slightly more viscous.
Presenting Ground Beef and Broccoli
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the lean ground beef and broccoli are fresh and of the highest quality. This will elevate the dish's flavor and presentation.
Create a base layer: Start by placing a bed of perfectly cooked jasmine rice on the plate. This will serve as the foundation for the dish.
Shape the ground beef: Use a ring mold to shape the cooked ground beef into a neat, circular form. This adds a professional touch and makes the dish visually appealing.
Arrange the broccoli artistically: Place the steamed broccoli florets around the ground beef in a symmetrical pattern. This not only adds color but also balances the dish.
Drizzle the sauce elegantly: Use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle the oyster sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Ensure the sauce is evenly distributed and not overly pooled.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top of the dish. This adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma.
Serve on a warm plate: Ensure the plate is warm before serving. This keeps the dish at the perfect temperature and enhances the dining experience.
Add a touch of texture: Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds over the dish for an added crunch and visual appeal.
Finish with a light mist of oil: Use a fine mist of vegetable oil spray to give the dish a slight sheen, making it look even more appetizing.
Present with elegance: Serve the dish on a pristine white plate to make the colors of the ground beef and broccoli stand out. Ensure the plate is clean and free of any smudges or spills.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the ground beef and combining all ingredients.
Microwave-safe bowl: A bowl that can safely be used in the microwave to steam the broccoli.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used to blend the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like vegetable oil, ginger, soy sauce, and sugar.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure larger quantities of ingredients like oyster sauce and cooking sherry.
Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
Knife: A sharp tool used to mince garlic and ginger.
Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A utensil used for stirring the ground beef, garlic, ginger, and sauce.
Microwave: An appliance used to steam the broccoli quickly.
Colander: A bowl with holes used to drain the fat from the cooked ground beef.
Serving spoon: A large spoon used to serve the finished dish over rice.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Let the ground beef and broccoli cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and causing soggy or freezer-burned food.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Divide the cooled ground beef and broccoli into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- Frozen ground beef and broccoli will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed dish to a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave until steaming hot, stirring occasionally for even heating.
- Alternatively, reheat the thawed dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
If you have leftover rice, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover ground beef and broccoli to an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the food is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the dish from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover ground beef and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish, and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent the food from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the food is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the broccoli to become mushy.
If you prefer a crispy texture, you can reheat the ground beef and broccoli in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the leftover ground beef and broccoli, and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the food is heated through and slightly crispy.
For a flavorful twist, you can add some fresh garlic and ginger to the skillet while reheating the ground beef and broccoli. This will give the dish a burst of fresh flavor and aroma.
If you find that the leftover ground beef and broccoli has dried out a bit, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish while reheating. This will help to moisten the food and prevent it from becoming too dry.
Random Fact About Ground Beef and Broccoli
A random fact about this ground beef and broccoli recipe is that oyster sauce is a key ingredient in many Asian cuisines, providing a rich umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as lean ground beef, broccoli, and pantry staples like soy sauce and oyster sauce, are affordable and readily available. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15 USD, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for ground beef and broccoli has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein, and broccoli, which is packed with vitamins and minerals. The use of garlic and ginger adds flavor while providing potential health benefits.
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components. The oyster sauce and soy sauce are high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess. The added sugar and cornstarch may also increase the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oyster sauce and soy sauce to lower the sodium content
- Use low-sodium versions of these sauces if available
- Replace the cooking sherry with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to reduce alcohol and sodium intake
- Increase the proportion of broccoli to ground beef to boost the vegetable content and lower the overall calorie density of the dish
- Use a leaner cut of ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce the fat content
- Serve the dish with brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Experiment with additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals in the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Recipe
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of lean ground beef and crisp broccoli, enhanced by the aromatic garlic and ginger, creates a satisfying dish. The sauce, with its blend of oyster sauce, cooking sherry, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from the sugar, adds depth and richness. Steaming the broccoli slightly ensures it retains its vibrant color and crunch. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, offering a balanced and nutritious option when served over rice.
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Why trust this Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe:
This ground beef and broccoli recipe is a must-try for its simplicity and flavor. The combination of lean ground beef and fresh broccoli ensures a nutritious meal. The oyster sauce and soy sauce blend creates a savory, umami-rich sauce that perfectly complements the dish. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. Trust this recipe for its balance of taste and ease, making it a reliable choice for any home cook.
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