Ground Beef And Broccoli

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This recipe works best with lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes, just note they may cook differently in texture and flavor.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for crunch and color. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli; just be sure to thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

Rice: Jasmine rice provides a fragrant and soft base, but you can swap it with brown rice for more fiber or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Oyster Sauce: While optional, oyster sauce adds a unique flavor. If you’re vegetarian or don’t have it, try using soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or hoisin sauce for a similar sweet-savory profile.

How Do I Cook the Beef Right?

Cooking the ground beef properly makes a big difference in your dish. Start by heating the oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Here’s how to do it:

• Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
• Make sure to keep stirring to avoid burning. Too high of heat can cause it to become tough.

By cooking your beef right, you ensure it stays tender and flavorful, which pairs wonderfully with the broccoli and sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dish:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or rice of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s quick, easy, and so satisfying!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it off.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté these together for about 1 minute, just until you can smell the wonderful aroma. This adds delicious flavor to your dish.

3. Add the Broccoli:

Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir them into the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and starting to get tender, but still a bit crisp.

4. Make the Sauce:

While the broccoli cooks, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), cornstarch, and beef broth or water. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This will create a nice thick sauce for your dish.

5. Combine Everything:

Now pour that lovely sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender and the sauce to thicken up beautifully.

6. Season and Serve:

Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Once everything is well-seasoned, it’s time to serve! Spoon the beef and broccoli over your cooked jasmine rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair. Enjoy your meal!

Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?

Absolutely! You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time as necessary—turkey and chicken may cook faster, while tofu will need a bit more time to absorb the flavors.

What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?

No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can simply omit it. Alternatively, soy sauce mixed with a little sugar can mimic the sweetness of oyster sauce. Use 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar to taste.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture to prevent a watery dish. You can sauté the thawed broccoli for a couple of minutes before adding the sauce to ensure it’s heated through.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave until hot. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help restore moisture if it seems a bit dry.