Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli – 20 Minute Dinner Recipe

First of all, thank you for stopping by! It means so much that you’re here, exploring this recipe with me. Today, I’m sharing a dish that has become a weeknight savior in my own kitchen: Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. This recipe combines savory, sweet, and garlicky notes into a quick stir-fry that you can whip up in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy evenings, it’s a healthy yet indulgent meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is a flavor-packed take on a classic takeout favorite, but with a simpler, homestyle twist. Instead of slices of beef, we use ground beef, making it both budget-friendly and quick to cook. The honey garlic sauce? Oh, it’s everything—sticky, sweet, and savory with a punch of garlic that ties it all together.

Reasons to love this recipe:

• Ready in 20 minutes—hello, stress-free dinners!
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Easily adaptable with other veggies or proteins.
• Family-approved—kids adore the sweet-savory flavor!

What Does It Taste Like?

Think of a perfect balance: the sweetness of honey blending seamlessly with the umami depth of soy sauce, a whisper of ginger, and the aromatic kick of fresh garlic. The broccoli soaks up all that goodness while staying crisp-tender. Every bite is comforting, bold, and absolutely irresistible.

Benefits of Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Protein-rich thanks to the lean ground beef.
• High in fiber and nutrients from broccoli.
• Meal prep friendly—it reheats like a dream.
• Customizable—you can make it spicy, tangy, or even low-carb.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dish at home:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean works best)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but highly recommended)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for mixing sauce
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
• Cauliflower, bell peppers, or snap peas work beautifully if you want to swap or add to the broccoli.
• Tamari or coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Follow these easy steps to bring this delicious dish to life:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, push the beef to the side and add the remaining oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef and broccoli, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot over rice or noodles.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Steamed Jasmine rice or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Garlic noodles for extra flavor.
• Cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs.
• A side of egg rolls or dumplings for a takeout-style feast at home.

Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Use fresh garlic for the most flavorful sauce.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli—you want it to stay slightly crisp!
• For extra depth, add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end.
• Meal prep? Double the sauce because you’ll want it on everything!

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. You can also freeze the cooked beef (without broccoli) for up to 2 months.

General Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw it first and pat it dry so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely—add sriracha, chili paste, or more red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian “soy” sauce alternative.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy, flavorful, and wholesome dish that’s anything but boring!! Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli will win you over with its perfect balance of sweet and savory, plus the fact that it’s ready in no time. Next time you’re craving takeout, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade can be.

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