Easy and Delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground beef and broccoli is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it can be tailored to your own taste preferences. This dish is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.

Recipe:

In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add 1 head of broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Cook until the sauce is heated through, about 1 minute.
Serve over rice or noodles.

Benefits:

Ground beef is a good source of protein and iron.
Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
This dish is low in calories and fat.
It is a quick and easy meal to prepare.

Tips:

For a healthier version of this dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, or onions.
Serve the dish over brown rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
Top the dish with shredded cheese or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve.

Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a healthy and delicious meal that can be prepared in minutes.

Key Aspects of Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a healthy and delicious meal that can be prepared in minutes. Here are 8 key aspects of ground beef and broccoli recipe:

Ingredients: Ground beef, broccoli, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil.
Preparation: Brown the ground beef, cook the broccoli, stir in the sauce.
Cooking time: 10-15 minutes.
Difficulty level: Easy.
Taste: Savory, slightly sweet, and umami.
Texture: Tender beef and broccoli with a slightly crispy exterior.
Health benefits: Good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Serving suggestions: Serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa.

These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of ground beef and broccoli recipe. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, the preparation is quick and easy, and the dish is delicious and healthy. Ground beef and broccoli is a great meal for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

These ingredients are the foundation of a classic ground beef and broccoli recipe. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance.

Ground beef: The protein base of the dish, providing a savory and satisfying base.
Broccoli: The vegetable component, adding aumami flavor, texture, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Soy sauce: The salty and savory backbone of the sauce, adding depth and complexity.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Sesame oil: The aromatic and nutty finishing touch, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.

When combined, these ingredients create a delicious and satisfying dish that is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or quinoa, or simply on its own.

Preparation

The preparation of ground beef and broccoli is a simple and straightforward process that involves three distinct steps: browning the ground beef, cooking the broccoli, and stirring in the sauce. Each step plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance.

Browning the ground beef:
Browning the ground beef is the first step in preparing this dish. This step is essential for developing flavor and creating a crispy exterior. When browning the ground beef, it is important to use a large skillet over medium heat and to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This will help to ensure that the beef is evenly browned and cooked through.
Cooking the broccoli:
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The next step is to cook the broccoli. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to steam or boil the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking the broccoli will make it mushy, so it is important to keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it is cooked to your desired tenderness.
Stirring in the sauce:
The final step is to stir in the sauce. The sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. These ingredients add flavor and complexity to the dish. Once the sauce has been added, it is important to stir it well to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly coated.

By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare a delicious and flavorful ground beef and broccoli dish. This dish is a great source of protein and vegetables, and it can be served over rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Cooking time

The cooking time for ground beef and broccoli is a crucial factor that determines the texture, flavor, and overall success of the dish. Cooking it for the right amount of time ensures that the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp, while preventing overcooking that can result in dry, tough beef and mushy broccoli.

Tenderness and juiciness: Cooking the ground beef for the full 10-15 minutes allows the connective tissues to break down, resulting in tender and juicy beef. Undercooking the beef can leave it tough and chewy, while overcooking can dry it out.
Vibrant color and texture: Cooking the broccoli for the optimal time preserves its bright green color and slightly crisp texture. Overcooking can turn the broccoli limp and discolored.
Balanced flavors: The cooking time allows the flavors of the ground beef, broccoli, and sauce to meld together, creating a harmonious and well-rounded dish. Overcooking can intensify the flavors too much, making the dish overpowering.
Ease and convenience: The short cooking time makes ground beef and broccoli an ideal meal for busy weeknights or when time is limited. It can be quickly prepared and cooked, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal without extensive effort.

By understanding the connection between cooking time and the various aspects of ground beef and broccoli recipe, home cooks can achieve the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and convenience in this delicious and versatile dish.

Difficulty level

The “Difficulty level: Easy” designation for ground beef and broccoli recipe signifies its accessibility to home cooks of all skill levels. This ease of preparation stems from several key factors:

Minimal ingredients: The recipe requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, eliminating the need for specialized or hard-to-find items.
Straightforward cooking techniques: The recipe involves basic cooking techniques such as browning ground beef and stir-frying broccoli, which are easily mastered by novice cooks.
Short preparation time: The recipe can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick meals.
Versatile cooking methods: Ground beef and broccoli can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, accommodating different cooking preferences and equipment.

The combination of these factors makes ground beef and broccoli recipe an approachable and enjoyable cooking experience, empowering home cooks to create a delicious and nutritious meal without extensive culinary skills or time-consuming preparation.

Taste

The taste of ground beef and broccoli recipe is a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, creating a delectable and satisfying culinary experience. This unique taste profile is achieved through the careful combination of ingredients and cooking techniques:

Savory:
The savory flavor is primarily derived from the ground beef, which is seasoned with salt and pepper and browned to perfection. This process enhances the inherent meaty taste of the beef, creating a rich and satisfying base for the dish.
Slightly sweet:
A touch of sweetness is introduced through the addition of brown sugar to the sauce. This subtle sweetness balances the savory flavors of the beef and broccoli, adding a delicate counterpoint that enhances the overall taste experience.
Umami:
Umami, the savory and meaty flavor, is imparted by the combination of ingredients such as soy sauce and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.

The combination of these taste componentssavory, slightly sweet, and umamicreates a well-rounded and satisfying flavor profile that makes ground beef and broccoli recipe a popular and beloved dish. The savory flavors of the beef and the umami-rich sauce are complemented by the subtle sweetness, resulting in a taste experience that is both comforting and invigorating.

Texture

The texture of ground beef and broccoli is an important aspect of the dish, contributing to its overall appeal and enjoyment. The combination of tender beef and broccoli with a slightly crispy exterior creates a delightful contrast and enhances the eating experience.

Tender beef:
The beef should be cooked until tender but not overcooked, as overcooking can make it tough and chewy. Ground beef with a higher fat content will generally be more tender than leaner ground beef.
Broccoli with a slightly crispy exterior:
The broccoli should be cooked until tender-crisp, with a slight resistance when bitten into. Overcooking the broccoli will make it mushy and lose its vibrant green color.
Combination of textures:
The combination of tender beef and broccoli with a slightly crispy exterior creates a textural contrast that is both pleasing to the palate and visually appealing. This contrast adds interest and depth to the dish.
Enhancement of flavors:
The slightly crispy exterior of the broccoli helps to enhance the flavors of the beef and sauce. The crispy texture provides a contrast to the tender beef and the savory sauce, making the overall dish more flavorful and satisfying.

By understanding the importance of texture in ground beef and broccoli, home cooks can achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.

Health benefits

Ground beef and broccoli is a nutritious dish that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind, and they can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Protein:
Protein is an essential nutrient that is needed for building and repairing tissues. It is also important for making enzymes and hormones. Ground beef is a good source of protein, providing about 20 grams per serving.
Vitamins:
Ground beef and broccoli are both good sources of vitamins. Ground beef is a good source of vitamin B12, which is important for the nervous system and blood cells. Broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A is important for vision, vitamin C is important for the immune system, and vitamin K is important for blood clotting.
Minerals:
Ground beef and broccoli are also good sources of minerals. Ground beef is a good source of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Broccoli is a good source of calcium, which is important for bones and teeth.

By eating ground beef and broccoli, you can get a good dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. This dish is a delicious and nutritious way to improve your overall health.

Serving suggestions

The serving suggestions for ground beef and broccoli are not merely optional accompaniments; they play a crucial role in enhancing the dish’s overall appeal and culinary experience. Rice, noodles, and quinoa provide a starchy base that complements the savory flavors of the ground beef and broccoli, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Here are some key reasons why serving ground beef and broccoli over rice, noodles, or quinoa is a recommended practice:

Complementary flavors and textures: The starchy base of rice, noodles, or quinoa provides a neutral canvas that allows the flavors of the ground beef and broccoli to shine through. The soft and chewy texture of the grains contrasts with the crispy exterior of the broccoli and the tender beef, creating a delightful combination of textures in each bite.
Increased satiety: Serving ground beef and broccoli over rice, noodles, or quinoa increases the overall volume and satiety of the meal. This is especially beneficial for individuals looking for a filling and satisfying meal that can keep them feeling fuller for longer.
Versatility and customization: Rice, noodles, and quinoa are versatile ingredients that can be cooked in various ways to suit personal preferences. They can be boiled, steamed, or stir-fried, allowing home cooks to customize the texture and flavor of the base to their liking.

In addition to these practical considerations, serving ground beef and broccoli over rice, noodles, or quinoa also adds visual appeal to the dish. The vibrant green of the broccoli, the savory brown of the ground beef, and the white or beige of the grains create a colorful and appetizing presentation that enhances the overall dining experience.

By understanding the connection between serving suggestions and the ground beef and broccoli recipe, home cooks can elevate their culinary creations, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal that caters to both taste and presentation.

Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile and widely adored dish that has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. It is a delectable combination of succulent ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets, harmoniously blended in a flavorful sauce. The simplicity of its ingredients and ease of preparation make it an accessible and enjoyable meal for home cooks of all skill levels.

Beyond its culinary appeal, ground beef and broccoli offers an array of nutritional benefits. Ground beef is a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc, essential nutrients for maintaining healthy muscles, red blood cells, and immune function. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is particularly high in vitamins A, C, and K, which contribute to healthy vision, immune system function, and bone health, respectively.

The combination of ground beef and broccoli in this dish not only enhances its nutritional value but also elevates its flavor profile. The savory and slightly fatty taste of the ground beef complements the earthy and subtly sweet notes of the broccoli, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This dish can be effortlessly customized to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ground beef and broccoli is a popular and versatile dish that offers a delicious and nutritious meal option. Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe, answered in a serious and informative style:

Question 1: What is the best type of ground beef to use?

For optimal flavor and texture, choose ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 or 85/15. This ratio provides a good balance of lean protein and fat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful ground beef.

Question 2: How do I get the broccoliCrispy?

To achieve crispy broccoli florets, toss them in a small amount of cornstarch before adding them to the skillet. Cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior while maintaining the broccoli’s tender-crisp interior.

Question 3: Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw the broccoli before adding it to the skillet. Frozen broccoli may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure it is heated through.

Question 4: What are some variations to the classic ground beef and broccoli recipe?

There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some popular variations include adding sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the skillet. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as a teriyaki or hoisin sauce.

Question 5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, ground beef and broccoli can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to serve. Simply cook the ground beef and broccoli according to the recipe and let it cool completely. Store the cooled mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Question 6: What are some serving suggestions for ground beef and broccoli?

Ground beef and broccoli can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. It can also be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about ground beef and broccoli recipe. With its ease of preparation and endless possibilities for customization, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Conclusion

Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and customizable to suit any taste preference. It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. With its simple ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, ground beef and broccoli is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

This recipe is a great starting point for exploring the many possibilities of this dish. Experiment with different sauces, vegetables, and seasonings to create your own unique variation. Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.