Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients

• 80 glean ground beef
• 100 gbroccoli florets
• 3–4 tbspwater

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the broccoli

   Cut the broccoli into small florets.

2. 2

   Steam until tender

   Steam the broccoli for 8–10 minutes, until very tender.

3. 3

   Cook the beef

   Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until fully browned through, then drain off any excess fat.

4. 4

   Cool slightly

   Leave both the beef and broccoli to cool slightly.

5. 5

   Blend until smooth

   Put the beef and broccoli in a blender with 3–4 tablespoons of water and blend until smooth.

What is beef and broccoli baby food?

This is a smooth purée made from cooked ground beef and steamed broccoli, rather than a traditional regional dish. The combination keeps the ingredient list simple and brings together meat and vegetables in one small meal.

Very tender broccoli and a thorough blend give this version its soft texture. The recipe contains no added seasoning, so the flavours come from the beef and broccoli themselves.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 171 calories, 20g protein, 7g carbs, 8g fat.

Most of the protein and fat come from the beef, while the broccoli contributes some carbohydrate and fibre. For a more balanced plate, serve alongside other suitable foods that provide energy, such as a soft-cooked starchy food.

Choosing and preparing the ingredients

Lean beef: Ground beef cooks quickly and blends readily once fully cooked. Break it up in the pan so there are no large pieces.

Broccoli: Cut the florets small so they steam evenly. Cook them until very tender; firmer pieces can leave lumps in the purée.

Getting a smooth purée

Water: Start with 3 tablespoons when blending, then use the remaining tablespoon if needed to reach a smooth consistency. Add it gradually rather than pouring it all in at once.

Blending: Make sure the cooked ingredients have cooled slightly before blending. Pause to check the texture and scrape down the blender if pieces are sticking to the sides.

Checking that everything is cooked

Beef: Cook it over medium heat until fully browned throughout, with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat before blending.

Broccoli: After 8–10 minutes of steaming, it should be very tender and easy to mash. If it still feels firm, continue steaming until it softens.

Timing and serving

The stated total time is 26 minutes, including preparation and cooking. The broccoli steaming time is 8–10 minutes; the beef is cooked until fully browned through.

Serve the purée on its own or alongside other suitable foods for the meal. Let it cool to an appropriate temperature before serving.

Texture and portions

This recipe is blended until smooth, but you can control the consistency by adjusting the water within the stated 3–4 tablespoon range. Follow your child’s readiness and usual feeding guidance when deciding on texture.

The recipe makes one serving. If preparing food for a baby, supervise them while eating and serve at a safe temperature.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the broccoli into similarly sized florets so they steam at the same rate.
• Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks for easier blending.
• Drain the beef well before adding it to the blender.
• Add the water gradually so you can control the purée’s consistency.
• Check that the purée has cooled to a safe temperature before serving.

Variations

• Thicker purée: Blend in less water, adding only enough to help the ingredients move.
• Looser purée: Add the remaining water a little at a time until smooth.
• More broccoli: Increase the broccoli and blend thoroughly for a greener mixture.
• Batch preparation: Multiply the ingredients to make several portions, keeping the same cooking cues.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Undercooked broccoli: It can leave lumps; steam until very tender before blending.
• Uneven beef pieces: Large chunks may not blend smoothly; break the meat up as it cooks.
• Excess fat: A greasy purée can result; drain the cooked beef before blending.
• Too much water at once: The mixture may become thinner than intended; add water gradually.
• Serving too hot: Allow the purée to cool slightly and check its temperature before serving.

How to store

Cool promptly, transfer to a clean covered container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, stir well and allow it to cool to a safe serving temperature; discard any food left in the serving bowl.

Frequently asked questions