Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, easy, and bursting with bold flavors, then Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is the recipe you need in your life. This one’s a total winner—tender, savory ground beef coated in a sweet and savory Korean-inspired sauce, all served with crisp, fresh broccoli. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time, and the best part? It’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner that’ll leave you wanting more.

The sweet, salty, and umami-packed sauce is what really makes this dish shine, and the broccoli adds the perfect crunch to balance it all out. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, with a touch of something special that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super customizable—you can add in more veggies or even spice it up if you’re into some heat. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

There’s a lot to love about this dish, and I’m here to tell you why:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t have a lot of time.

Packed with Flavor: The Korean-inspired sauce is rich, sweet, salty, and umami—it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.

Healthy and Hearty: With lean ground beef and fresh broccoli, this dish is both filling and nutrient-rich, without compromising on taste.

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean? Yes, please! This recipe comes together in one pan, making it as simple to clean up as it is to cook.

Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your preferences. Want more spice? Add some gochujang (Korean chili paste). Prefer a veggie boost? Toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.

Ingredients in Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need for this simple, delicious dish:

For the Ground Beef and Broccoli:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Lean ground beef provides that savory base for the dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrients. They soak up all that delicious sauce, too.
• Garlic: A must for any good savory dish. It infuses the sauce with its aromatic, savory goodness.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a little zing and warmth to the dish, complementing the savory flavors.
• Soy Sauce: For that deep, umami-packed flavor that’s the foundation of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the salty soy sauce. You can also use honey if you prefer.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant note to the sauce. It’s what gives this dish that authentic Korean taste.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, satisfying finish.

For Garnish:

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions bring a fresh, sharp flavor that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the beef.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional but highly recommended! They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to finish off the dish.
• Chili Flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, sprinkle some chili flakes on top.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This dish is so simple and comes together so quickly—you’ll be eating in no time!

Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef (if needed) and set it aside.

Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan, add a little bit of oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch. If you like your broccoli softer, feel free to cook it a bit longer. Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and set it aside with the beef.

Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil, and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and a little water. Stir to combine, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water, and cook until the sauce thickens.

Combine Everything

Once the sauce is thickened, return the ground beef and broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together until the beef is well coated in the sauce, and the broccoli is fully incorporated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra touch of heat, add some chili flakes if you like it spicy. Serve this dish over steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350-400 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Over Rice: Serve it over steamed white or brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
With Noodles: Try it with rice noodles or soba noodles for a more noodle-based dish.
With a Side Salad: A fresh, tangy cucumber salad would pair wonderfully to balance out the richness of the beef.
In a Wrap: For a fun twist, serve this in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a lighter version of this dish, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’ll still be delicious with the same great flavors!

Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies to the mix! Bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms all work well in this dish.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your sauce a little sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar or honey to taste. You can also balance the sweetness with a splash more soy sauce if you prefer it saltier.

Meal Prep: This dish stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so it’s a great option for meal prepping. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make the beef and broccoli ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve!

Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A2: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the pan. Frozen broccoli will cook up just as well in this dish.

Q3: Can I make this recipe spicy?
A3: Yes! If you love heat, add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce or sprinkle some red chili flakes over the top for extra spice.

Q4: What’s a good substitute for sesame oil?
A4: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite the same. Sesame oil adds a unique nuttiness that’s central to the dish.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
A5: Yes! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Conclusion

Korean Ground Beef and Broccoli is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick, satisfying, and delicious. With savory beef, a sweet-and-salty sauce, and fresh broccoli, it’s a meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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