For those evenings when you crave a meal that’s both hearty and healthy, this Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is an ideal addition to your lineup of ground beef recipes for dinner. It’s a quick, delicious stir-fry that packs protein, vitamins, and a burst of flavor into every bite.
Celebrating a Balanced Meal
Imagine a plate where the robust flavor of well-seasoned ground beef meets the crisp, vibrant crunch of broccoli. This dish not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want to feel good about what you’re eating.
Essential Ingredients
Prepare the following ingredients for a perfectly balanced dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb | Lean works best for a lighter dish |
| Broccoli Florets | 4 cups | Fresh or pre-steamed for convenience |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced for aromatic flavor |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons | Adds a savory depth |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon | Freshly grated for zest |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | To thicken the sauce |
| Beef Broth | 1 cup | For a rich, flavorful sauce |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional for a touch of heat |
| Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon | For a nutty finish |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning |
Cooking in Simple Steps
Browning the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef with minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook until the beef is browned and releases its savory juices. This step is key to developing a deep, rich flavor.
Preparing the Broccoli
While the beef cooks, blanch your broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green but remain crisp. Drain and set aside.
Creating the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture over the browned beef, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken for a couple of minutes.
Bringing It Together
Gently fold in the broccoli, ensuring it’s well coated in the savory sauce. Let the dish simmer for a few minutes until the broccoli is heated through but still retains its crunch. Finish by drizzling with sesame oil and sprinkling red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe offers the perfect balance of protein and vegetables in one pan. It’s a modern take on classic ground beef recipes for dinner, delivering a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Every bite is a reminder that healthy food can be both hearty and exciting.
Tips & Variations
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles:
For a complete meal, serve your stir-fry over steamed rice or toss with noodles. - Extra Veggies:
Add carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for an even more colorful and nutritious dish. - Customize the Heat:
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
FAQ
Q: How does this dish compare with other ground beef recipes for dinner?
A: Its combination of lean beef and crisp broccoli offers a lighter, yet satisfying alternative to more indulgent recipes.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients if needed?
A: Yes, feel free to swap beef broth for vegetable broth or experiment with different seasonings.
Q: What’s the best method to keep the broccoli crisp?
A: Blanch the broccoli briefly and avoid overcooking once added to the stir-fry.
This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish is a nutritious, flavor-packed option that proves healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Enjoy the vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and rich flavors that make this recipe a standout among ground beef recipes for dinner. Try it tonight, and share your own variations with family and friends. Your journey to a healthier, more delicious dinner starts here!
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Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Nutritious Spin on Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This hearty, nutritious dish combines lean ground beef with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, lightly tangy sauce. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, it’s an ideal dinner option for those looking to enjoy a comforting meal with an extra boost of veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe puts a healthy twist on classic ground beef recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger (grated Optional, for extra flavor)
- 4 cups Broccoli florets (Fresh cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup Beef broth (Low-sodium preferred)
- 3 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce (Optional for added depth)
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (Optional for a hint of heat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (For cooking)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic (and ginger, if using).
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and if desired, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes then drain—this step ensures they remain vibrant and crisp.
Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli:
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Create the Sauce and Combine:
- Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and rice vinegar.
- Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes (if desired) and stir well to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or enjoy as is for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hoisin sauce along with the soy sauce.
- Blanching the broccoli before stir-frying helps retain its bright green color and crisp texture, but you can skip this step if you prefer a more tender bite.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your Ground Beef and Broccoli—a hearty, nutritious dinner option that brings a satisfying twist to classic ground beef recipes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
