If you are looking for a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal to add to your weeknight rotation, the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s perfectly balanced with soy, ginger, and a touch of spice. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, nutrition-packed meal that feels both wholesome and downright delicious—guaranteed to become a fast favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, working together to create a marvelous symphony of flavors and textures. From the savory depth of lean ground beef to the sweet pop of honey and the satisfying crunch of broccoli, every element plays a crucial role.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and protein to satisfy your hunger.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant green color for contrast.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds sweetness and aromatic depth in the base of the stir-fry.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers the punchy, classic garlicky kick that ties the dish together.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing and enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
- â…“ cup soy sauce (low sodium): Brings savory umami with a carefully balanced saltiness.
- ¼ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness to offset the soy sauce’s saltiness and create the signature honey garlic flavor.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated: Infuses warmth and a subtle spice that complements garlic perfectly.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water): Thickens the sauce to create that glossy finish you crave in a perfect stir-fry.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a little kick of heat if you like some spice.
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles: Serves as the perfect vehicle to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and a beautiful garnish.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Provides fresh color and mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of your dish and perfectly balances sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes. Mix the cornstarch with water separately to create a slurry; this will thicken your sauce later and give it a glossy, irresistible texture.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in your pan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns evenly until fully cooked. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to release its aromatic goodness without burning.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Now, toss in the fresh broccoli florets and pour in ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 3 to 4 minutes. This technique cooks the broccoli until just tender but still crisp, giving it that satisfying bite while keeping its bright green color intact.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Thicken
Pour your prepared honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture, stirring everything together to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes as the flavors meld beautifully. Next, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency that clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 5: Serve Your Stir-Fry
Remove from heat and serve your masterpiece over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or noodles. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add that final burst of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and bright green onions really elevate this dish. The sesame seeds offer a subtle crunch and a lovely nutty aroma, while the green onions provide a fresh, mild bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich honey garlic sauce.
Side Dishes
While the dish itself is a complete meal, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even some egg noodles gives it a wonderful base to soak up all the flavors. To add even more variety, serve alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing palate cleanser.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving this stir-fry in vibrant bowls with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra layer of flavor. Wrapping the beef and broccoli mixture in lettuce leaves for a hand-held option is another fun twist, perfect for a casual get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to keep the texture and flavor intact.
Freezing
This stir-fry freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it covered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure everything heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind they might need slightly different cooking times and may have a milder flavor, so adjust seasoning to taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking steps slightly to ensure each vegetable is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
How spicy is the dish?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can control the heat level to suit your taste. Leaving them out creates a mild, kid-friendly meal, but adding them gives a nice vibrant kick.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy broccoli?
Steaming the broccoli for just 3 to 4 minutes ensures it stays crisp and bright. Overcooking or adding too much water can make it soft, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe, it will quickly become one of those meals you want on repeat. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice wrapped around tender beef and crisp broccoli is just irresistible. Give it a go and watch it become your new weeknight superstar!
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender ground beef and crisp broccoli florets in a savory honey garlic sauce, served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- â…“ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry and set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, cooking until it is thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan and pour in ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the broccoli to steam for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
- Pour the Sauce: Stir in the prepared honey garlic sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Then, add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers if desired.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.
