This Ground Beef and Broccoli dish combines tender beef with bright green broccoli in a tasty sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how this meal swings between savory and fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies without any fuss. Who says healthy can’t be yummy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which is juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. They have less fat and still absorb flavors nicely!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for this dish. You can substitute with snap peas or green beans if you don’t have broccoli handy; they both add a lovely crunch. Frozen broccoli is also fine, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Rice: White rice pairs perfectly, but brown rice is a great substitute if you’re looking for more fiber. Just remember it takes a little longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. Quinoa could be another fun alternative for a protein boost!
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. The oyster sauce adds depth, but you can omit it if you’re vegetarian or don’t have it on hand. Just add an extra splash of soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: This ingredient gives a nice nutty aroma. If you don’t have it, you can use olive or canola oil but try to add a bit of sesame seeds for that toasted flavor!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Rice for This Stir-Fry?
Cooking rice is straightforward, but getting it fluffy can be tricky. Here’s how to do it—
- Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents it from getting gummy.
- In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer quietly for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking!
- After the time is up, turn off the heat but keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and steam.
- Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This separates the grains and makes it light!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time cooking the rice, browning the beef, and stir-frying the broccoli. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of white rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
Now, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, you can drain a bit off.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once your beef is browned, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until you can smell the delicious aroma. This step adds lots of flavor!
4. Stir-Fry Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Mix everything well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still has a nice crispness to it.
5. Season and Combine:
Drizzle the sesame oil over your stir-fry, and add salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir so that all the flavors are well combined.
6. Serve and Garnish:
To serve, put your cooked white rice on plates or in bowls, and spoon the ground beef and broccoli stir-fry over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; chicken or turkey might need a few extra minutes to cook through, while tofu should be well-crispy before adding other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
If you want to skip the oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a sweet alternative or simply add more soy sauce. For a vegetarian or vegan substitute, look for mushroom sauce, which adds a similar umami flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. When reheating, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep the stir-fry moist.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe! Just toss it straight into the skillet without thawing, but note that you might need to increase the cooking time to ensure it warms through and gets tender.
