Ground Beef And Broccoli — On a crisp October evening, the kitchen fills with the scent of spices and a soft hum from the oven as you reach for something simple and satisfying to warm the family. This Ground Beef And Broccoli skillet has become a reader favorite because it delivers comfort, speed, and the kind of savory goodness that pairs perfectly with roasted apples or a slice of rustic bread.
If you love hearty family dishes, try our cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for another cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Ground Beef And Broccoli
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or gluten-free flour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Step-by-step instructions to make Ground Beef And Broccoli
- Prep the broccoli: Blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath to keep them bright and crisp-tender. Drain well.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to the side and add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add flavor: Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and the broth. If you’d like a heartier bowl inspired by seasonal produce, this is a great time to fold in sweet potatoes a la our beef and sweet potato bowl.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir into the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for a minute or two.
- Combine with broccoli: Return the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust: Add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Serve: Plate the Ground Beef And Broccoli over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips for a perfect Ground Beef And Broccoli
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease; if you do end up with oil in the pan, drain a little for a cleaner sauce.
- Don’t skip the blanching step—briefly cooking broccoli keeps it vibrant and prevents it from going mushy.
- For richer flavor depth, try browning the beef until you get little caramelized bits on the pan; they add savory notes similar to classic meat dishes like this guide to cooking beef cuts.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding bite-sized potatoes or roasting a tray of squash for a seasonal side.
- Beginners: measure your soy sauce and ginger beforehand—mise en place makes the whole process calmer and faster.
Possible variations for Ground Beef And Broccoli
- Gluten-free: swap regular soy sauce for tamari and use cornstarch to thicken; serve over rice or gluten-free noodles.
- Streusel-style topping (savory): top the skillet with a buttery parmesan-panko streusel—mix panko (or gluten-free crumbs), grated parmesan, a little melted butter, and chopped herbs; broil briefly until golden for a crunchy contrast.
- Vegetarian twist: replace beef with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh and increase the garlic and ginger for more punch.
- Casserole adaptation: turn this skillet into a baked casserole with mashed potatoes or tots on top, inspired by cozy casseroles like the cowboy casserole for fun family dinners.
Storage recommendations for Ground Beef And Broccoli
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven.
- Reheating tip: Add a splash of broth while reheating to revive the sauce and prevent drying out.
- Leftover idea: Use cold leftovers to make a savory hand pie or fold into a baked hash like a simple hobo casserole-style dish for a cozy, no-fuss supper.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef And Broccoli recipe is warm, adaptable, and a terrific weeknight staple when crisp fall evenings call for something hearty and homey. For another take on a quick, flavorful version of this classic, check out Skinnytaste’s Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to compare flavors and techniques.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
A: Yes — frozen broccoli works in a pinch. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to avoid excess water; cook a little longer so it’s evenly heated.
Q: Is Ground Beef And Broccoli healthy?
A: It can be—use lean ground beef, increase the broccoli ratio, and serve over whole grains or cauli-rice to keep it balanced and nutritious.
Q: How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
A: Blanch it quickly and shock in ice water, or add raw broccoli toward the end of cooking and cook just until tender-crisp.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the dish, cool it quickly, and portion into containers. It reheats well and makes a convenient lunch or dinner for busy weekdays.
Ground Beef And Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy and savory ground beef and broccoli skillet meal, perfect for a family dinner on cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or gluten-free flour)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prep the broccoli: Blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath to keep them bright and crisp-tender. Drain well.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to the side and add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add flavor: Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and the broth.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir into the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for a minute or two.
- Combine with broccoli: Return the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust: Add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Serve: Plate the Ground Beef And Broccoli over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Always use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. Blanching broccoli helps it retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian