Why this fits a family on a budget
This skillet meal costs approximately $2.45 per serving, well under the $3 budget, using affordable ground beef and frozen cauliflower rice. Everything cooks in a single pan in about 40 minutes, and the steps are straightforward enough for a complete beginner.
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 12 oz frozen cauliflower rice
• 3 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 4 clove garlic cloves
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 3 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 3 stalk green onions
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, fish sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Set this sauce aside.
2. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Thinly slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate.
3. Heat a large skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F if using an electric burner). Add vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned with no pink remaining and the edges start to look slightly crispy.
5. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions to the empty side. Stir them constantly for 30 to 45 seconds until golden and very fragrant.
6. Mix the garlic and ginger into the beef. Add the broccoli florets and stir everything together. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every minute, until the broccoli is bright green and just fork-tender.
7. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Push everything to the edges of the pan. Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the center and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated — the rice should look dry, not steamy.
9. Stir the cauliflower rice together with the beef and broccoli mixture until fully combined.
10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and the green parts of the sliced green onions before serving. Divide into four portions directly from the pan.
Contains: fish, sesame. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.