Quick and Healthy Beef and Broccoli
“What’s for dinner?” It is my 4:30pm question of the day. My mind rummages through my fridge. “Hmmm… I have that ground beef that’s thawed,” I think while my body tells me I can wait another 15 minutes. “It’s Tuesday and tacos are so easy.” That thought plagues me. It’s like admitting defeat before walking into the kitchen. Wait a minute, sister! I have a whole head of broccoli!! And broccoli has actual nutrients. And the last time I made beef and broccoli, the kids ate it and DID NOT COMPLAIN.
Must have been the rice.
Into the kitchen I go, undefeated, and ready to feel good about something I can make so quickly with actual vegetables and cute smiling smaller mouths that will ingest those vegetables. The hero, once again. Moms are the bees knees, right?!
INGREDIENTS
1 pound lean ground beef
1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh minced/grated ginger, OR 1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cool water
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil, optional
Cooked rice or noodles, extra red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef well and drain the fat.
2. While the beef is cooking, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl or large measuring cup; set aside.
3. After the beef is cooked, push it to the edges of the pan, add the garlic and ginger in the center, and stir for a minute or two until fragrant. Add the sauce and the broccoli to the pan; stir to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for several minutes and stir occasionally until the broccoli is cooked to your desired tenderness.
4. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the water until dissolved. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan while stirring the beef and broccoli. Bring to a boil and cook for a minute while stirring, until the sauce is thickened. Stir in the sesame oil, if using, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
