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