Beefy Broccoli Bliss

$- 1 pound ground beef - 3 cups broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Sesame seeds - Chopped green onions - Lime wedges Ground beef and broccoli make a simple and tasty meal. You start with ground beef, which gives a hearty base. Next, add fresh broccoli florets. These add color and crunch to your dish. You can also throw in a sliced red bell pepper for sweetness. For flavor, use low-sodium soy sauce. This gives umami without too much salt. Add sesame oil for a nutty taste. A touch of honey adds a hint of sweetness. These seasonings work well together. If you want to dress up your dish, consider optional garnishes. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. Chopped green onions bring freshness. A lime wedge adds a zesty kick when squeezed on top. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal satisfying and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Mince the garlic. - Grate the ginger. - Slice the bell pepper. Start by prepping your ingredients. Mince three cloves of garlic. Use a grater for one inch of fresh ginger. Slice one red bell pepper into thin strips. This prep helps the dish cook evenly and adds great flavor. - Heat sesame oil in skillet. - Add garlic and ginger. Heat two tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for one to two minutes, until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish. - Add ground beef to skillet. - Break apart and brown. Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook for about five to seven minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any extra fat if needed. This keeps your dish lean and healthy. - Stir in broccoli and bell pepper. - Cook until broccoli is tender. Now, stir in three cups of broccoli florets and your sliced red bell pepper. Cook for four to five minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. This adds color and crunch to your meal. - Combine soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry. - Pour over beef and veggies. In a bowl, mix together ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, one tablespoon of honey, and a cornstarch slurry made from one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of water. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables. This sauce brings all the flavors together. - Thicken sauce and season. - Serve with rice or quinoa. Let the sauce cook for another two to three minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your beef and broccoli hot over cooked rice or quinoa. This meal is simple yet packed with flavor. - Browning ground beef tips: Start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat for best results. Break the beef apart with a spatula. Cook until it is a rich brown color. This adds great flavor. - Cooking broccoli for optimal texture: Add broccoli when the beef is almost done. Cook it for just 4-5 minutes. You want it tender but still bright green. This keeps it crunchy and fresh. - Suggested spices to add: Try adding black pepper or crushed red pepper. A pinch of garlic powder also works well. These spices elevate the taste and give it a kick. - Using different sauces or marinades: Soy sauce is a classic, but you can mix things up. Try teriyaki or oyster sauce for a different vibe. Add honey for sweetness or chili sauce for heat. - Serving suggestions for visual appeal: Serve the dish in shallow bowls. This makes it look nice and inviting. A scoop of rice or quinoa underneath adds depth to the meal. - Garnishing tips for added flavor and color: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Chopped green onions add a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side gives a fresh zest. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vibrant bell peppers enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Look for firm, bright-colored vegetables for the best results. Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Make it a Meal Prep Favorite: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Prepare it in advance for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile while keeping it healthy. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try using turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. These options make the meal lighter. You can also add other veggies. Carrots or snap peas work well. They add sweetness and crunch to the dish. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor while avoiding gluten. For those on a low-carb diet, consider using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It adds fiber and cuts carbs while still tasting great. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes to the cooking beef. This gives your dish a nice kick. If you enjoy sweet and sour flavors, mix in a bit more honey or a splash of vinegar. This balance enhances the overall taste and makes the meal unique. To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method helps keep your dish tasty and safe. In the fridge, your ground beef and broccoli will last for about three to four days. Always label your container with the date to stay organized. For the best taste, reheat your meal on the stove. Just add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often, until warm. If you use a microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze your dish, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. For the best flavor, use it within three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve ground beef and broccoli with a few tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Cauliflower rice - Noodles - Side salad These sides add balance and extra flavors to the meal. A fresh salad brings a nice crunch and brightens the plate. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Here are some steps for meal prepping: 1. Cook the ground beef and vegetables as directed. 2. Let the dish cool completely. 3. Place it in an airtight container. 4. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes busy days easier. Ground beef and broccoli can be a healthy choice. Here’s a quick look at its nutrition: - Ground beef provides protein and iron. - Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K. - The dish is low in carbs if served without rice. This meal offers balanced nutrients and can fuel your body well. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just keep these adjustments in mind: - Thaw the broccoli before cooking. - Cook it for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes. Frozen broccoli can save time and still taste great. Just make sure it’s tender but still bright green. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for ground beef and broccoli. You learned about key ingredients, like fresh veggies and savory sauces. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking easy. Plus, I provided tips to make it even better and variations to try. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With these ideas, you can enjoy a great meal. Try mixing things up and making it your own! Your kitchen adventures are just beginning.$

A delicious stir-fry featuring ground beef, broccoli, and bell peppers, all coated in a savory sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets
1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt and pepper
for serving cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry together. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve the dish in shallow bowls, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. Consider adding a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty touch.

Keyword beef, broccoli, quick meal, stir-fry