Easy Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe with Minimal Ingredients

Easy Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Quick & Flavorful Delight 🥦🥩🥢

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal? This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe is your ultimate answer! Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence, this dish requires only a handful of minimal ingredients yet delivers a punch of maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned culinary expert or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe remarkably simple to follow and unbelievably satisfying. This simple beef broccoli dish magically comes together in well under 30 minutes, making it an undeniably ideal choice for those very evenings when you find yourself craving a comforting, home-cooked meal without all the usual fuss and lengthy preparation.

This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but is also a beautifully balanced and genuinely nutritious meal option. Ground beef steps up as a fantastic source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body maintenance, while broccoli is gloriously packed with essential vitamins and dietary fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. So, wave goodbye to those complicated, multi-step recipes and warmly welcome this quick beef and broccoli meal, which we’re confident will quickly become a beloved family favorite. With just a humble array of pantry staples, you have the power to create a dish that’s both wholesomely good for you and incredibly delicious. And if you’re earnestly trying to keep things as straightforward as possible, then this minimalist beef broccoli recipe is absolutely tailor-made just for you! If you are looking for more options, check out our dinner recipes.

2. Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines and works so well because it places a strong focus on simplicity without making any compromises when it comes to the final taste. The delightful combination of savory ground beef, perfectly tender broccoli, and an utterly flavorful soy sauce-based sauce creates a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that appeals to virtually everyone at the table. The strategic use of minimal ingredients translates to significantly less time spent on prepping and actual cooking, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy individuals, bustling families, and anyone who values efficiency in the kitchen. Moreover, this easy ground beef and broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to easily introduce other vegetables or playfully adjust the sauce to perfectly suit your individual and family’s unique preferences and dietary needs. Its undeniable appeal lies in its remarkable adaptability and the unwavering guarantee of a satisfying and fulfilling meal every single time you prepare it. If you want more inspiration, check out these recipes.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch)
• Salt and pepper to taste

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a generously sized skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the ground beef and cook, diligently breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until it has browned beautifully and is entirely cooked through. Take a moment to drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish light and flavorful.

2. Add Broccoli

Next, gently add the broccoli florets to the skillet, joining the already browned ground beef. Begin to stir-fry the mixture for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli reaches that perfect state of being tender-crisp. Throughout this step, make sure the broccoli is evenly distributed within the skillet to ensure it cooks uniformly and achieves that ideal texture.

3. Prepare and Add the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and the freshly minced garlic until well combined. If you’ve opted to use cornstarch for a slightly thicker sauce, mix it thoroughly with the water in a separate container until it forms a smooth slurry. Then, carefully pour the soy sauce mixture (along with the cornstarch slurry, if you’re using it) evenly over the beef and broccoli in the skillet.

4. Simmer and Serve

Gently stir everything together, making sure the sauce evenly coats the beef and broccoli. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has beautifully thickened to your preferred consistency. Season the dish with salt and pepper, adjusting to your individual taste preferences. Serve the ground beef and broccoli hot over rice or noodles. Savor and enjoy your incredibly delicious and easy ground beef and broccoli recipe!

5. Tips and Variations

• Add Ginger: Incorporating just a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger can infuse the dish with a warm, subtly spicy, and deeply aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite sriracha sauce to give the dish a spicy and exciting kick.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to get creative and add other crisp and colorful vegetables such as sliced carrots, vibrant bell peppers, or crunchy snap peas to boost both the nutrition and visual appeal of the dish. If you like potatoes, see this potato recipe!
• Sweeten the Sauce: Adding just a touch of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey can work wonders in balancing the savory flavors of the sauce, creating a more complex and nuanced taste.
• Use Different Protein: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, ground turkey or chicken can be easily used as a delicious substitute for ground beef, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying meal option. You can even check out this recipe on Easy Family Recipes for more ideas.

6. Serving Suggestions

This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe is absolutely fantastic when served generously over a comforting bed of fluffy white rice or nutritious brown rice for a healthier option. Alternatively, you can create a heartier and more substantial meal by serving it with your choice of noodles, such as classic lo mein or thick and chewy udon noodles. A side of steamed dumplings or a crisp, refreshing salad can also beautifully complement this dish, creating a genuinely complete and satisfying dining experience. Speaking of which, you can find great lunch ideas here.

7. Health Benefits

This simple beef broccoli dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also offers several notable health benefits. Ground beef is an excellent source of both protein and iron, which are essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as maintaining healthy energy levels. Broccoli, on the other hand, is incredibly rich in vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and gives your immune system a much-needed boost. By preparing this quick beef and broccoli meal, you’re providing your body with essential nutrients in a way that’s both flavorful and thoroughly enjoyable. You can find more healthy and quick recipes such as , cheddar broccoli potato soup., carrot potato soup, chicken potato soup, creamy potato soup, baked potato soup and ham and potato soup.

8. Storage Instructions

If you find yourself with any delightful leftovers of this minimalist beef broccoli recipe, be sure to store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When properly stored, the leftovers will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave until they are heated through, or stir-fry them in a skillet with a small amount of oil until thoroughly warmed. For the best taste and texture, make sure the beef and broccoli are heated evenly before serving.

9. Conclusion

This easy ground beef and broccoli recipe truly shines as a winner for anyone in search of a meal that is both fast, flavorful, and undeniably nutritious. With its very minimal ingredients and deceptively simple steps, you can effortlessly have a satisfying and wholesome dish ready on the table in virtually no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time or whenever you simply crave a hassle-free cooking experience, this recipe is poised to become a cherished and frequently used staple in your kitchen. So, dive in and enjoy the harmonious combination of savory beef and healthy broccoli in this incredibly easy ground beef and broccoli recipe!

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