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Ground Beef and Broccoli

A quick and comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef and vibrant broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 or leaner) Swap with ground turkey for a milder taste.
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets Substitute frozen broccoli in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or neutral oil Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic powder when you’re out of fresh garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced Omit for a simpler profile or use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce Tamari for gluten-free.
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin sauce Honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweet.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar Lemon juice works in a squeeze.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Optional, for toasty finish.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (slurry) Makes a glossy sauce.
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste red pepper flakes or sriracha Optional, for heat.
  • for serving cooked rice or noodles

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook broccoli florets for 1 minute. Drain and plunge into ice water.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with vegetable oil. Add ground beef, season with pepper, and let it sizzle undisturbed for 2 minutes.
  2. Break up the beef and cook until mostly browned (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Push beef to the side and add garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir everything together. Let it bubble briefly for about 1 minute.
  5. Stir the cornstarch slurry and add to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is glossy.
  6. Fold in the blanched broccoli and toss gently to coat.
  7. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced scallions.

Notes

Use lean beef and adjust the soy sauce for saltiness. Add sliced bell pepper or snap peas for more vegetables.