Ground Beef And Broccoli Rice Bowl
Highlighted under: Rapid Bites
When I create meals for my family, I prioritize both flavor and nutrition. The Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines hearty ground beef with fresh broccoli, served over fluffy rice. It's quick, easy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love how the savory sauce enhances the flavors, bringing everything together in one bowl. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids without them even noticing!
One evening, I decided to experiment with what I had in the fridge, and the result was this delightful Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl. I learned that a simple stir-fry can be transformed into a complete meal with just a few ingredients. The combination of beef and broccoli not only tastes amazing but also creates a colorful dish that appeals to everyone at the table.
What I love most is how quickly it comes together. While the rice cooks, I sauté the beef and broccoli with garlic and soy sauce, resulting in a meal that's ready in 25 minutes. It's an absolute lifesaver on hectic days!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying for the whole family
- Quick preparation makes it perfect for busy nights
- Packed with protein and healthy veggies
Enhancing Flavor with Sauces
The combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce in this recipe serves to deepen the umami flavor profile. Soy sauce provides a salty, savory base, while oyster sauce adds a touch of sweet complexity that beautifully complements the richness of the ground beef. If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, consider using tamari as a substitute for soy sauce, ensuring that you still get the same savory depth without the gluten.
Timing is also key when adding these sauces. Pour them in after the broccoli has cooked through but while it’s still vibrant and bright green. This keeps the dish visually appealing and ensures the broccoli retains some crunch. Letting the mixture simmer for a minute allows the flavors to meld, making every bite more harmonious.
Vegetable Variations
While broccoli is a fantastic choice for this rice bowl, feel free to get creative with other vegetables! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even sliced carrots can add a pop of color and additional nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time; for example, bell peppers only need about 2 minutes of cooking once added, while carrots may need a bit longer to soften.
Incorporating a variety of vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. If you're aiming for a heartier variation, consider adding mushrooms or zucchini—both of which will absorb the savory sauces well and contribute additional texture.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl:
For the Rice Bowl
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
With these ingredients in hand, you're ready to create a delicious and filling meal.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl:
Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once done, set it aside.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Broccoli
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender, but still bright green.
Combine with Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another minute.
Serve
To serve, place a portion of rice in a bowl, top it with the beef and broccoli mixture, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
Enjoy this wholesome meal with your family!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl makes for excellent leftovers! After cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a dash of soy sauce in the microwave to keep the beef moist and the broccoli vibrant.
If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the rice separately and storing it in a different container. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy. Assemble the rice bowl freshly when you're ready to eat; it retains the best texture this way.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is easily scalable if you’re feeding a larger crowd. You can simply double or triple the ingredients, particularly the beef and broccoli, without any adjustments needed to the cooking technique. Just be aware that you might need a larger skillet or to cook in batches to ensure even browning of the beef.
If scaling down, you can make a smaller batch and still enjoy the same flavors without waste. A half-pound of ground beef still pairs well with a cup of broccoli and a cup of cooked rice, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner for one or two.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How can I make this dish low-carb?
You can replace the rice with cauliflower rice or skip it altogether for a lower-carb meal.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and broccoli ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of soy sauce to retain moisture.
Ground Beef And Broccoli Rice Bowl
When I create meals for my family, I prioritize both flavor and nutrition. The Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines hearty ground beef with fresh broccoli, served over fluffy rice. It's quick, easy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love how the savory sauce enhances the flavors, bringing everything together in one bowl. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids without them even noticing!
What You'll Need
For the Rice Bowl
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How-To Steps
Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Once done, set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender, but still bright green.
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another minute.
To serve, place a portion of rice in a bowl, top it with the beef and broccoli mixture, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g