If you’re craving a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, you are going to fall in love with this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a colorful, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, featuring tender ground beef and crisp broccoli coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that tastes like pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding friends, this recipe ensures a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this vibrant stir-fry. Each component plays a key role: from the rich flavor of lean ground beef to the bright crunch of fresh broccoli, and the perfect sweet-savory balance of the honey garlic sauce.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a juicy, hearty base with just the right fat content to keep the dish flavorful without being greasy.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch and a healthy boost of vitamins and fiber.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed, complementing the beef perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic, pungent flavor central to the honey garlic profile.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and creating a slight richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium): Adds umami and saltiness while keeping the sodium in check.
- ¼ cup honey: The star sweetener that balances garlic’s pungency and soy sauce’s saltiness beautifully.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a gentle zing that rounds out the aromatic profile.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water): Creates a glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to beef and broccoli.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat to give the dish a little extra kick.
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty flavor as a final garnish.
- 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh herbaceous note to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This combination creates that irresistible balance of savory, sweet, and tangy that defines the sauce. Then, mix the cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry, which you’ll use later to thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Allow the beef to brown nicely, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Right before it’s done, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its flavorful aroma without letting it burn.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli florets and pour in ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3 to 4 minutes. This technique keeps the broccoli tender but still crisp, maintaining a lovely texture that contrasts beautifully with the ground beef.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Uncover the skillet and pour in the honey garlic sauce you prepared earlier. Stir everything together gently and let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Then add the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, perfectly coating the beef and broccoli.
Step 5: Serve
Once your delicious honey garlic sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Serve this hearty stir-fry over fluffy cooked rice or noodles, and get ready for one of the easiest meals that tastes like you spent all night cooking.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
The magic finishing touches are what make your dish pop. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a bit of crunch and a subtle nutty flair. Then scatter sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant burst of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry stands brilliantly on its own with rice or noodles, but pairing it with a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad or steamed dumplings can elevate your meal to a whole new level. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or sautéed snap peas make fantastic sides to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve the scoop of stir-fry in a big bowl to share, encouraging everyone to pile their plates with as much sauce-soaked goodness as they like. If you’re entertaining, try plating each portion in individual shallow bowls with a delicate sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for a restaurant-style presentation that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe tastes fantastic as leftovers. Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this stir-fry freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to maintain the sauce’s silky texture and the broccoli’s crispness. Avoid microwaving too long or too hot to keep the beef tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as these meats tend to cook slightly faster and are leaner, so the dish will be lighter but still flavorful.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have a soy allergy?
You can use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative. It has a similar umami flavor and works great in the honey garlic sauce to maintain the recipe’s authentic taste.
Is it necessary to steam the broccoli?
Steaming the broccoli briefly ensures it stays tender yet crisp, which creates a lovely texture contrast with the ground beef. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can cook it longer or blanch it beforehand.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick. Adjust to your preferred spice level to make it your own.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch as thickening agents. Alternatively, reduce the sauce by simmering it a little longer until the desired consistency is reached.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that’s quick to make, comforting to eat, and easy enough for any weeknight. Next time you want a meal that feels both satisfying and exciting, give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring lean ground beef cooked with fresh broccoli in a savory honey garlic sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Served over rice or noodles and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it offers a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Cooking and Garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- 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. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry; set both 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 and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan along with ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan with a lid and steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Pour the Sauce: Remove the lid and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry, but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
