This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is a weeknight lifesaver that delivers all the sticky, savory-sweet satisfaction of takeout in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender broccoli and lean ground beef simmered in a rich honey garlic glaze, it is an economical and delicious way to get dinner on the table fast.
Served over fluffy white rice, this bowl is packed with flavor, texture, and family-friendly appeal.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A crowd-pleasing balance of sweet honey and savory garlic sauce that coats the salty beef and mild broccoli perfectly.
- Texture: The ground beef offers a tender crumble that pairs well with the crisp-tender crunch of fresh broccoli florets.
- Time: 5 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It is a simple one-pan stir-fry method.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large frying pan or skillet to cook the beef and vegetables together. The ingredients are minimal: lean ground beef, fresh produce (onion, garlic, broccoli), and a bottle of your favorite honey garlic sauce (or a quick homemade version) to bring it all together.
Ingredient Notes
- Lean Ground Beef – Using lean beef ensures the dish isn’t greasy. It browns quickly and absorbs the sauce well.
- Broccoli Florets – Chop the florets small so they cook through quickly in the pan without needing to be steamed separately. Fresh is best for texture.
- Honey Garlic Sauce – Use 1 cup of store-bought honey garlic sauce for speed, or whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a homemade version.
- Onion & Garlic – Fresh chopped white onion and minced garlic build the aromatic base of the stir-fry.
- Cooked Rice – Serve over 4 cups of hot cooked rice to soak up the extra sticky sauce.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Protein – Ground turkey, chicken are easy swaps for the beef.
- Vegetables – Sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas can be added along with the broccoli for more color.
- Spice – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you want to balance the sweetness with some heat.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil along with the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup chopped onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Brown Beef: Add in the 1 lb of lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets and stir everything together. Cook until the broccoli is slightly soft when poked with a fork, about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be “crisp-tender” (bright green but not mushy).
- Sauce & Simmer: Pour the 1 cup of honey garlic sauce overtop of everything and mix well to coat the meat and veggies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is heated through, bubbly, and the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.
- Serve: Scoop cooked rice into bowls, then ladle the ground beef and broccoli mixture on top. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tip: If you like your broccoli softer, you can add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons) to the pan when you add the broccoli and cover it with a lid for 2 minutes to steam it quickly before adding the sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Chop Small: The key to this 15-minute meal is chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook in the same time frame as the beef finishes.
- Prep Rice First: Since the stir-fry comes together so fast, make sure your rice is already cooking or ready to go before you heat the skillet.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, let it bubble for an extra minute to reduce. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or soy sauce will loosen it up.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but thaw and drain it first. Add it at the very end with the sauce just to warm it up, as it is already cooked and soft.
- How do I make homemade sauce? Whisk 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ginger, and 1 tsp cornstarch (optional thickener) together.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the beef mixture and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Top with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a professional finish.
- Sides: Spring rolls or dumplings make great appetizers.
- Noodles: This beef mixture is also delicious served over ramen noodles or udon instead of rice.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep: Chop the onions, garlic, and broccoli ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
- Meal Prep: This recipe reheats beautifully in the microwave, making it a top choice for work lunches.
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is a weeknight lifesaver that delivers all the sticky, savory-sweet satisfaction of takeout in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender broccoli and lean ground beef simmered in a rich honey garlic glaze, it is an economical and delicious way to get dinner on the table fast. Served over fluffy white rice, this bowl is packed with flavor, texture, and family-friendly appeal.
Ingredients
The Stir Fry
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup Honey Garlic Sauce (store-bought or see notes for homemade)
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Toasted sesame seeds or green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Brown Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook: Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Cook Broccoli
Add the chopped broccoli florets. Stir well. Cook: Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and “crisp-tender” (soft when poked with a fork but not mushy). Tip: If you prefer softer broccoli, add a splash of water (2 tbsp) and cover with a lid for 2 minutes to steam it.
Sauce & Simmer
Pour the 1 cup of honey garlic sauce over the meat and vegetables. Simmer: Mix well to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce is hot, bubbly, and slightly thickened.
Serve
Scoop hot rice into bowls. Ladle the beef and broccoli mixture on top. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Quick Homemade Sauce: If you don’t have a bottle of sauce, whisk together: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup honey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger (or ground), and 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickness).
Broccoli Size: Chop the florets small (bite-sized). Large chunks will take too long to cook and might remain raw in the center while the beef overcooks.
Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen, thaw and drain it first. Add it at the very end with the sauce just to warm it through, as it is already soft.
Carb Swap: This sticky meat mixture is also delicious served over ramen noodles or udon instead of rice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl (with rice)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, honey garlic beef, 15 minute dinner, easy beef and broccoli, budget friendly meals, hamburger meat recipes, kid friendly dinner
