Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, trying to turn “just a pound of ground beef” into something satisfying? That’s where this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli recipe saves the day. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and somehow tastes like you planned it all along — even if dinner was a total afterthought. Let’s turn that fridge scrounge into a flavorful win.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey garlic ground beef and broccoli stir-fry brings together the comfort of takeout with the speed of a weeknight meal. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy if you like it that way. Plus, you only need one pan and about 25 minutes. No stress, no fancy tools — just real, good food that hits the spot.
What Makes Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli So Addictive?
This quick stir-fry delivers a rich, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. Honey garlic ground beef and broccoli balances texture and taste — with juicy beef, tender-crisp broccoli, and a glossy garlic glaze you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes
From prep to plate, this recipe takes only 25 minutes. You’ll whisk the sauce, brown the beef, steam the broccoli, and stir everything together in less time than it takes to scroll through your streaming apps.
One-Pan, Family-Friendly Meal
You’ll cook it all in a single skillet. That means less cleanup and more time to relax. It’s also mild enough for picky eaters, but flavorful enough to make everyone go back for seconds.
Balanced, Flavor-Packed, and Budget-Smart
At 380 calories and 28g of protein per serving, this dish gives you a balanced dinner that doesn’t break the bank. The sauce is naturally sweetened with honey, and the broccoli keeps things fresh and nutritious.
Key Ingredients & Nutrition Highlights
Lean Ground Beef for Protein
Lean ground beef cooks fast and stays juicy. It also gives this stir-fry its hearty texture and richness, offering 28g of protein per serving.
Broccoli for Fiber and Vitamins
Broccoli brings crunch and color while packing in fiber, vitamin C, and folate. It also soaks up the sauce beautifully — like little flavor sponges.
Honey Garlic Sauce – Sweet, Savory, and Customizable
A mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and vinegar makes a sauce that’s sticky, bold, and balanced. Adjust the sweetness or spice as you like.
What You’ll Need
Stir-Fry Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Toppings & Serving Add-ons
- Cooked rice or noodles
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1 – Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. In a separate cup, stir cornstarch with water until smooth. Set both aside.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes. Then add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3 – Steam the Broccoli
Add broccoli and ¼ cup water to the skillet. Cover with a lid and steam for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Keep an eye on it — overcooked broccoli gets mushy fast.
Step 4 – Simmer and Thicken the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Step 5 – Serve It Up
Turn off the heat. Serve over rice or noodles and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like.
Serving Ideas & Variations
Best Ways to Serve (Rice, Noodles, Wraps)
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, soba noodles, or even egg noodles. You can also spoon it into wraps or pita for a fun handheld version.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options
Serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb option. Swap tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Add-Ins and Swaps (Bell Peppers, Tofu, Turkey)
Add thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more veggies. Or try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist. You might also love this quick ground turkey and zucchini skillet for similar vibes.
Smart Pairings for a Complete Meal
Sides That Go Well
This dish pairs well with a crisp cucumber salad, roasted carrots, or some steamed bok choy. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it with dumplings or egg rolls on the side.
Drinks to Serve With It
Chilled green tea, lemonade, or a simple glass of lemon water all work well here. Hot green or ginger tea is perfect if you’re craving something warming.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge & Freezer Tips
Honey garlic ground beef and broccoli stores well in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. When reheated, the flavors deepen and the sauce stays thick and delicious. Keep rice separate for best texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Best Reheat Methods
Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Overcooking Broccoli
Broccoli should stay bright and just tender. Overcooked broccoli loses its charm — and its crunch.
Sauce Issues (Lumps, Burning, Imbalance)
Whisk your slurry well to avoid lumps. Don’t overheat the sauce after adding honey or garlic, or it can taste bitter. Taste before serving and adjust soy or honey to balance.
Pro Tips for Success
Prep Ahead
Chop all your ingredients before turning on the stove. This stir-fry moves fast once it starts.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli make all the difference. Skip the pre-minced jars if you can.
Marinate for More Flavor
If you have 10 extra minutes, let the beef sit in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before cooking. It adds an extra boost of flavor.
Explore Similar Recipes
If you loved this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli, you might also enjoy my savory garlic butter beef skillet or this flavorful chicken-shrimp stir-fry combo. For cozy nights, try these easy crockpot steak bites for busy nights.
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe Card
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Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli – Quick Weeknight Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, sweet-savory stir-fry with lean ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sticky honey garlic sauce. Done in 25 minutes with just one pan — perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional for serving:
2 cups cooked rice or noodles
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). In another bowl, stir cornstarch with 2 tbsp water until smooth. Set both aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add broccoli and ¼ cup water to the skillet. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Pour in the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and stir 1–2 minutes until thickened.
5. Remove from heat. Serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce.
Double the sauce if you prefer extra flavor for rice or noodles.
Use cauliflower rice or zoodles for a low-carb option.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is honey garlic sauce good with ground beef?
Yes, it’s fantastic! The sweetness balances the savory depth of beef perfectly.
Why do beef and broccoli taste so good?
It’s that combo of tender beef, crisp veggies, and umami-rich sauce. Each bite hits all the notes.
How to flavor ground beef?
Start with aromatics like onion and garlic, then layer with sauces or spices. Marinating in soy sauce helps, too.
How many days are beef and broccoli good for?
Up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Wrap-Up & Share Your Thoughts
If this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli recipe saved your weeknight dinner, I’d love to see it in your kitchen! I’d love to see it! Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so I can cheer you on.