Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Every bite is a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness, all tied together with tender broccoli and juicy ground beef. The best part? You can have this colorful, crave-worthy meal on the table in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need something satisfying fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, with each ingredient bringing its own special touch to the final dish. From the aromatic sesame oil to the sweet honey and crisp broccoli, here’s how every piece fits together to make your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe truly irresistible.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, toasty aroma that forms the foundation of authentic stir-fry flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Juicy and hearty, it soaks up the honey garlic sauce and delivers protein-packed bites.
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen): Bring color, crunch, and a healthy boost of greens to your plate.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with bold, savory notes that pair perfectly with the sweet honey.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Offers depth and saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Honey: Balances the soy sauce with a gentle sweetness and gives the sauce its signature shine.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every morsel of beef and broccoli.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A sprinkle wakes up the palate with a gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Green onions (sliced): Fresh and crisp, they’re the perfect finishing touch for flavor and color.
- Sesame seeds: A quick garnish that adds a pop of texture and visual flair.
- Cooked white or jasmine rice: The ideal base to soak up every drop of that addictive honey garlic sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, letting it cook until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. If your beef is on the fattier side, don’t forget to drain any excess fat—this keeps your stir-fry from becoming greasy and lets the honey garlic flavors shine.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a quick minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible. Next, stir in the broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh, just cook until they’re bright green and tender-crisp—about 4 to 5 minutes. For frozen broccoli, cover the skillet for a few minutes to help it steam and soften up.
Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce
While the broccoli cooks, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick) in a small bowl. This simple sauce is where the magic happens, bringing together sweet, salty, and tangy in every bite.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Pour the sauce into your skillet and give everything a good stir to coat the beef and broccoli. Then, add in the cornstarch slurry—a quick mix of cornstarch and water—which works fast to thicken the sauce. In just a couple of minutes, your stir-fry will be glossy and perfectly coated, ready to scoop over fluffy rice.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe piping hot over bowls of cooked white or jasmine rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle those sesame seeds on top—they add a final touch of crunch and style.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of extra green onions make this dish look as good as it tastes. For even more color, you can add a few thinly sliced red bell peppers or a dash of chili oil. The key is to keep it simple so the flavors of your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe can shine through.
Side Dishes
While this stir-fry is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with classic sides like steamed dumplings, miso soup, or a crisp Asian slaw. And of course, don’t forget the fluffy white or jasmine rice—it’s absolutely essential for soaking up that gorgeous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist, or over cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For a family-style meal, pile it high on a big platter and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply allow the stir-fry to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a terrific make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. Portion cooled stir-fry into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts to keep the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey both work beautifully in this recipe, soaking up the honey garlic sauce just as well as beef. You’ll get a slightly lighter texture and flavor, making it a great option for anyone looking to switch things up.
Is this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free?
With a simple swap to gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is easy to make gluten-free. Double-check your other ingredients to be sure, and you’ll have a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! This stir-fry is a great base for all kinds of veggies—think snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Just add them when you add the broccoli, and cook until tender-crisp for the best texture.
What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Cook the beef and broccoli mixture as directed, then portion it (along with rice) into meal prep containers. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners all week long.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can easily adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder flavor. Add more if you like things extra spicy—it’s all up to your taste!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fast, family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and color, give this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe a try. It’s truly a weeknight wonder, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how delicious homemade can be!
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Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry that combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnishes & Serving
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep it lean.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow it to steam properly.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and broccoli.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked white or jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra protein, stir in scrambled eggs or top with a fried egg.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Broccoli can be fresh or frozen based on availability and convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
