Have you ever found yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner? I find this happens more often than I’d like to admit—especially after a long day when all I want is something hearty but simple. That’s where ground beef and broccoli come into the picture. These two ingredients might seem like an odd pair at first glance, but trust me, they’re like that unexpected duet that somehow just works. The savory richness of beef, mixed with the green crunch of broccoli, creates this delightful canvas of flavors that’s both grounding and surprising at the same time.
I remember stumbling upon this combo during one of those frantic evenings when time was scarce and patience, even scarcer. It was the kind of night when you just want to escape into the comfort of a cozy meal—nothing fancy, just pure satisfaction. And oh, the aroma that fills the kitchen when the beef sizzles alongside that broccoli is something else. It’s nostalgic, almost like the smell of a childhood kitchen on a winter evening—warm, inviting, and just a bit chaotic.
With each bite, it’s like you’re on a little adventure—one that teeters between the ease of familiarity and the thrill of something new. Plus, with the latest trends in food (hello, TikTok recipes), it’s always a win to have a couple of these quick, crowd-pleasing dishes up your sleeve. So, if you’re ready for something that’s both a feast for the senses and a balm for the soul, these ground beef and broccoli recipes are calling your name tonight.
Steps
- Begin by whisking together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking and stirring occasionally until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet, stir well to combine, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and continue cooking for one more minute to ensure everything is heated through.
- Serve the stir fry by dividing it evenly among four plates or shallow bowls, layering with cooked rice if desired.
- Garnish each serving with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions before enjoying.
Ingredients
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets and blanched
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions, sliced on the bias
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1308 kcal | Carbohydrates: 104 g | Protein: 116 g | Fat: 44 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Cholesterol: 284 mg | Sodium: 4208 mg | Fiber: 20 g | Sugar: 44 g
FAQ
- What ingredients are used to make a healthier beef and broccoli sauce?
- This recipe uses a lighter sauce made from reduced sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari), honey, minced garlic, fresh ginger, cornstarch, and a small amount of sesame oil to achieve a balanced sweet and savory flavor without excessive oil and sugar.
- What nutritional benefits do beef and broccoli offer?
- Lean ground beef is a nutritious protein source rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron and zinc. Broccoli provides fiber, protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, making this dish a nutritious choice.
- How is broccoli blanched for this recipe?
- To blanch broccoli, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for two to three minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. Quickly drain the broccoli and transfer it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the broccoli again.
- Can this stir-fry be served with something other than rice?
- Yes, the stir-fry can be served over white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice. Additional vegetables like blanched asparagus, peppers, or zucchini can be added for more variety.
- What is the cooking process for the ground beef and broccoli stir-fry?
- First, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Then, heat sesame oil in a skillet and cook the beef and onion until nearly cooked through. Pour in the sauce, stir, and cook for a minute before adding the blanched broccoli and cooking for another minute. Serve with rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for humanely-raised ground beef from a regenerative farm and organic vegetables to enhance the nutritional value and taste of your dish.
- Blanch Broccoli Properly: To achieve perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, boil the florets for two to three minutes, then quickly transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Limit Oil and Sugar: Use just half a tablespoon of sesame oil and replace sugar with one tablespoon of honey for a healthier, less greasy sauce.
- Experiment with Serving Options: Serve the stir fry over a variety of bases like jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice, and consider adding blanched asparagus, peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Equipment
- Large Deep Skillet – A quality skillet is essential for stir-frying.
- Colander – For draining the blanched broccoli.
- Ice Bath Container (Large Bowl) – For shocking the blanched broccoli.
- Whisk – For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
- Garlic Press (optional) – For mincing garlic easily.
- Grater or Microplane – For grating fresh ginger.
