Simple & Juicy Ground Beef Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Ground beef redefines ordinary meals into culinary adventures that burst with rich, satisfying flavors.

Home cooks appreciate this versatile protein for its incredible adaptability in countless dishes.

Lean or fatty variations offer different textures and taste profiles that complement numerous cuisines.

Professional chefs and kitchen enthusiasts alike recognize ground beef as a fundamental ingredient that elevates simple recipes.

Its quick cooking time and affordable price make it a staple in many households worldwide.

Robust and hearty, ground beef provides substantial nutrition and brings depth to family dinner tables.

Bold seasonings and creative techniques can turn this classic ingredient into something truly memorable.

Ground Beef Dishes That Never Fail

• Savor Quick and Flavorful Fusion: This ground beef and broccoli recipe blends Asian-inspired flavors with simple ingredients, creating a mouthwatering meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Master Restaurant-Style Cooking at Home: Learn professional techniques like blackening broccoli and creating a silky sauce, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish without complicated skills.
• Enjoy Balanced Nutrition in One Skillet: Packed with protein from ground beef, fiber-rich broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce, this meal delivers a complete nutrition profile while minimizing cleanup with just one pan.
• Experience Textural Perfection: Crispy-edged broccoli, tender beef crumbles, and a glossy sauce provide layers of exciting textures that make every bite interesting and satisfying.

What You Need to Work With Ground Beef

• Ground Beef: Rich and lean protein source, best with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for juicy texture.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh garnish for added crunch and herbal flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and saltiness to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings mild acidity and balance to the flavor profile.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that adds complex, warm flavor notes.
• Water: Helps blend and dilute sauce ingredients.

• Broccoli: Provides crisp texture and nutritional value.
• Cooking Oil: Ensures proper heat distribution and prevents sticking.
• White Rice: Classic base that absorbs sauce and complements the dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors.

Cooking with Ground Beef: The Basics

Step 1: Prepare The Sauce

• Water
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Rice vinegar

Whisk until sugar dissolves completely and set aside.

Step 2: Roast The Broccoli

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add broccoli and cook while stirring occasionally.

Develop crispy edges and slight charring for 6-7 minutes.

Transfer broccoli to a separate bowl.

Step 3: Cook The Ground Beef

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add remaining oil to pan.

Sprinkle ground beef with salt.

Break beef into small crumbles while cooking.

Brown meat for approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Sauce With Beef

Pour prepared sauce into skillet with browned beef.

Simmer and stir constantly.

Allow sauce to thicken for about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine And Finish

Return roasted broccoli to skillet.

Stir continuously to coat everything evenly.

Cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Plate over steamed white rice.

Enjoy your delicious stir-fry!

Ground Beef Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Sear Broccoli Strategically: Blacken broccoli in spots for maximum flavor development and avoid overcooking by using high heat and quick stirring.
• Control Meat Texture: Break ground beef into small, even crumbles while cooking to ensure uniform browning and prevent clumping.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to meat and vegetables.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast sesame seeds briefly before garnishing to release their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Manage Heat Levels: Adjust stovetop temperature carefully during each cooking stage to prevent burning and maintain optimal texture for both broccoli and beef.

Ground Beef Storage and Reheating Guidelines

• Refrigerate: Transfer the beef and broccoli to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Best Dishes to Serve with Ground Beef

• Pair with Crisp Rice Wine: Select a chilled Japanese sake or light, dry rice wine to complement the savory beef and cut through the rich sauce's intensity.
• Match with Refreshing Green Tea: Brew a hot, slightly bitter green tea that balances the sweet and salty flavors of the ground beef and broccoli dish.
• Create a Side Salad Contrast: Prepare a light cucumber and radish salad with a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm, hearty main course.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add a small plate of quick-pickled daikon or kimchi to introduce a zesty, acidic element that brightens the overall meal and aids digestion.

Flavor Add-Ins for Ground Beef Dishes

• Spicy Beef Kick: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo and add red pepper flakes for an extra heat boost.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and include additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
• Asian Fusion Remix: Use ground turkey instead of beef and incorporate pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory combination that elevates the classic recipe.
• Lean Protein Option: Select lean ground beef or ground chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican-inspired ground beef enchiladas bring zesty comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, spicy seasoning, and tender tortillas create a quick, satisfying meal that delights you with authentic southwestern flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453.6 grams) 90/10 lean ground beef
• 12 ounces (340.2 grams, about 5 ¼ cups) fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) lower-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) neutral oil (such as canola)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced fresh ginger (from 1-inch piece)
• 2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch

Optional Garnishes:

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Steamed white rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar until sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth liquid seasoning mixture.
2. Transform broccoli into charred, tender-crisp florets by sizzling in hot oil over high heat, rotating periodically to achieve blackened edges, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Transfer roasted broccoli to a spacious bowl, reserving the skillet for subsequent cooking.
4. Reduce cooking temperature to medium and introduce remaining oil into the skillet.
5. Crumble ground beef into the pan, seasoning with salt, and cook until deep brown and thoroughly separated, roughly 5 minutes.
6. Pour prepared sauce over beef, allowing it to simmer and integrate flavors while constantly stirring, enabling the mixture to slightly thicken for approximately 3 minutes.
7. Reintroduce roasted broccoli to the skillet, stirring vigorously to ensure every morsel gets evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until sauce reaches perfect consistency and clings beautifully to meat and vegetables.
9. Garnish with scattered sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a final aromatic touch.
10. Present over steaming white rice, creating a vibrant, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Sauce Preparation: Whisk all sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, flavorful base for the dish.
• Broccoli Cooking Technique: Sear broccoli at high heat to achieve tender-crisp texture with delightful blackened edges, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Meat Browning Tips: Break ground beef into small crumbles while cooking to maximize surface area for even browning and sauce absorption.
• Sauce Thickening Secrets: Simmer sauce with beef to develop rich flavors and create a perfect glossy coating that clings to both meat and vegetables.
• Garnish and Serving: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions for a final burst of texture and aromatic finish.
• Rice Pairing: Serve over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg