Are you craving a delicious and nutritious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Beef and Frozen Broccoli recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish that's easy enough for beginner cooks, yet satisfying enough for experienced home chefs. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and healthy dinner. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) package frozen broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Broth: Add the frozen broccoli florets and beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and broccoli. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Beef and Frozen Broccoli hot over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as sliced bell peppers or mushrooms, along with or instead of the broccoli.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Beef and Broccoli: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or water chestnuts for a more substantial stir-fry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy recipe delivers a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of savory beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce makes it a satisfying and enjoyable dish for the whole family. Enjoy your homemade cooking!