Savory ground beef broccoli has become my go-to weeknight meal for so many reasons. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I needed something fast, delicious, and healthy, and this recipe saved the day. The aroma of the beef searing and the garlic blooming filled my kitchen, promising a truly flavorful ground beef broccoli stir fry. It’s so satisfying to create an easy ground beef broccoli skillet that my whole family devours. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
- Incredible savory flavor that will have you coming back for more.
- It’s a wonderfully quick ground beef and broccoli dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein from the ground beef and nutrients from the broccoli.
- Super budget-friendly, using common ingredients you likely already have.
- This is a truly family-friendly meal that even picky eaters enjoy.
- You can whip up this satisfying dish in under 40 minutes, making it a lifesaver.
- It’s a versatile quick ground beef and broccoli dinner that can be customized easily.
Ingredients for Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
Gather these simple ingredients for a flavorful and easy meal. The combination of ground beef and broccoli with soy sauce creates a classic, delicious flavor profile that’s hard to beat.
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets – Aim for bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- 1 onion, chopped – A yellow or white onion works perfectly to add a savory base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic punch.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – This is the backbone of our savory sauce, providing that essential umami.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This is our secret for a perfectly thickened, glossy sauce.
- 1/4 cup water – Used to create the sauce mixture and help it combine smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For sautéing and getting that nice sear on the beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To perfectly season everything at the end.
How to Make Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
- Step 1: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, I like to break it up into small pieces with my spatula. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. This step is crucial for getting that rich, savory base.
- Step 2: Now, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the beef for about 3-4 minutes until they become nice and tender, releasing their wonderful aroma. You’ll start to smell that classic savory blend developing!
- Step 3: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for about 5-7 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender-crisp, meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This is where the magic of a good stir-fry happens.
- Step 4: While the broccoli is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. This mixture will form our delicious, glossy sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Step 5: Pour this prepared sauce directly over the ground beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure every piece is coated. This is a key part of the ground beef broccoli stir-fry instructions.
- Step 6: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully, coating the beef and broccoli in a rich, savory glaze. This quick cooking makes it a perfect one-pan ground beef broccoli recipe.
- Step 7: Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Give it one last stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Step 8: Serve this amazing savory ground beef broccoli hot. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
Want to elevate your savory ground beef and broccoli game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make a huge difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
- For an extra layer of flavor, toast your broccoli florets in the skillet for a few minutes before adding other ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. Sometimes a little extra soy sauce or a pinch of sugar can really make it pop.
What’s the secret to perfect Savory Ground Beef Broccoli?
The secret to achieving that perfect umami ground beef broccoli dish lies in the sauce and the broccoli’s texture. Ensure your sauce is well-balanced with soy and oyster sauce, and don’t overcook the broccoli – it should remain tender-crisp for the best bite. For more on the importance of fresh ingredients, check out tips for a successful harvest.
Can I make Savory Ground Beef Broccoli ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all your ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. You can even assemble a ready-to-cook ground beef broccoli bowl for a quick reheat and finish later in the week.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Savory Ground Beef Broccoli?
The most common mistakes are overcooking the broccoli, making the sauce too thin, or not browning the beef properly. To avoid these, keep a close eye on the broccoli’s texture and whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the hot pan. Understanding the role of ingredients like onions can also help.
Ways to Serve Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
This versatile dish is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this is as a classic ground beef broccoli with rice. The fluffy rice is perfect for soaking up any extra savory sauce.
You can also serve it over noodles, like lo mein, for a different texture. For a lighter meal, a simple side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing complements the rich flavors beautifully. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that works for any night of the week! If you enjoy pasta dishes, you might also like our spaghetti with mushroom sauce.
Nutrition Facts for Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious and healthy ground beef broccoli meal:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
Properly storing your delicious savory ground beef broccoli ensures you can enjoy this healthy ground beef broccoli meal later. Once cooked, let the dish cool down to room temperature for about an hour before packing. I like to divide it into individual airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. Stored this way, it will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure the containers are freezer-safe.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options. You can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave it on a medium power setting for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until it’s steaming. Both methods work wonderfully to revive the flavors and textures of your savory ground beef and broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions About Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
What is the best way to cook the broccoli for savory ground beef broccoli?
For the best texture, I recommend steaming or stir-frying the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. You don’t want it mushy! This ensures it still has a slight bite and vibrant green color, which is key to the overall appeal of this dish.
Can I make a ground beef and broccoli casserole with this recipe?
While this recipe is a fantastic stir-fry, you can adapt it into a casserole! After cooking the beef and broccoli with the sauce, mix it with cooked rice or pasta, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a different take but equally delicious! For a similar hearty meal, consider our pappardelle with beef ragu.
What are some other things I can cook with ground beef and broccoli?
Beyond this stir-fry, you can make hearty ground beef and broccoli bowls with rice or quinoa, savory ground beef broccoli pasta dishes, or even add them to hearty soups. Experimenting with your favorite grains and sauces is part of the fun! For a simple yet delicious pasta, try our spaghetti with garlic and oil.
How can I make this savory ground beef broccoli recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, simply add some red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onions. You could also mix in a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture before adding it to the skillet. Enjoy the kick!
Variations of Savory Ground Beef Broccoli You Can Try
This savory ground beef broccoli dish is so versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you’ll definitely want to try a ground beef broccoli for keto diet variation. Simply omit the cornstarch from the sauce or use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum, and serve it as is or over cauliflower rice. For a different kind of healthy meal, explore our mediterranean chickpea salad.
Another fantastic addition is mushrooms! Making a ground beef broccoli and mushroom recipe adds an extra earthy flavor and delightful texture that my family adores. You can also turn this into a comforting casserole by mixing it with cooked rice or pasta, topping it with cheese, and baking until golden. For a quicker meal, try air-frying the broccoli until crispy before tossing it with the beef mixture. If you’re interested in learning about sustainable practices, you might find our article on sustainable farming practices insightful.
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Amazing Savory Ground Beef Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory ground beef and broccoli dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This recipe features tender ground beef and crisp broccoli coated in a delicious savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Ensure broccoli is tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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