Honey Garlic Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Savory ground beef mingles perfectly with crisp broccoli florets in a mouthwatering sauce.

The combination of sweet honey and robust garlic creates an irresistible harmony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a balanced blend of protein and vegetables that satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together, making it a go-to meal for busy evenings.

Bold flavors and nutritious ingredients combine to transform an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes This Beef & Broccoli Combo Stand Out

What Makes This Beef & Broccoli Combo Stand Out
  • A Delightful Honey Garlic Ground Beef And Broccoli Experience
  • This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Ground beef provides protein punch while broccoli adds essential nutrients, creating a balanced meal that keeps everyone satisfied and energized without feeling heavy.
  • Minimize dishes and cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just a few simple steps, making cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
  • Kids and adults alike will love the sweet-savory honey garlic sauce that transforms ordinary ground beef and broccoli into an irresistible dish everyone will request again and again.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides the hearty base for this delicious one-pan meal.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a flavorful foundation for the recipe.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Honey, Olive Oil: A sweet and rich combination that creates a glossy, caramelized coating for the beef and broccoli.

How to Cook Beef & Broccoli in Style

How to Cook Beef & Broccoli in Style

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and chopped onions.

Stir and cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their fragrant aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet.

Break up the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring even cooking.

Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Broccoli

Toss in broccoli florets and mix thoroughly with the beef.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli reaches crisp-tender texture, where it’s slightly firm but not completely soft when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture.

Stir to coat all ingredients evenly.

Allow the sauce to heat and slightly thicken for 1-2 minutes, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over prepared rice.

The sauce will naturally seep into the rice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Serve hot and savor immediately.

Handy Tips for Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Handy Tips for Beef & Broccoli Recipe
  • Keep a close eye on garlic while sautéing, as it can quickly turn bitter and burn. Stir constantly and adjust heat to medium-low if needed.
  • Cook broccoli just until crisp-tender to maintain its vibrant green color and nutritional value. Test doneness by piercing with a fork for slight resistance.
  • After browning ground beef, consider draining excess fat to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more balanced dish.
  • Whisk honey garlic sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to ensure even distribution and maximum flavor penetration throughout the dish.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals or lunch prep.

Reheating and Storing This Stir Fry

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack meal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Warm a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add leftovers, stirring frequently to distribute heat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through, adding extra sauce if needed to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

Top Pairings for Beef & Broccoli

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the sweet and savory honey garlic flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of the ground beef.
  • Serve with Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect base that absorbs the honey garlic sauce, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile of the dish with its delicate, slightly floral notes.
  • Add Crunchy Asian Slaw: Introduce a refreshing side with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing to balance the warm, rich main course and provide a cool, crisp contrast.
  • Garnish with Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle these nutty, aromatic seeds on top to add a subtle crunch and enhance the Asian-inspired flavor profile, bringing depth and visual appeal to the dish.

Different Takes on Beef & Broccoli

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice and use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit instead of honey to create a completely keto-compatible meal that keeps the essential taste elements intact.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original recipe's delicious characteristics.
  • Asian-Inspired Variation: Add ginger and red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions to enhance the Asian flavor profile and provide additional depth to the dish.

FAQs

  • Is honey garlic ground beef and broccoli a healthy meal?

This dish provides a balanced combination of protein from ground beef, fiber and nutrients from broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. It’s relatively low-carb and offers good nutritional value when prepared with lean beef and served in moderate portions.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan. Fresh broccoli gives slightly better texture, but frozen is a convenient alternative that maintains similar nutritional benefits.

  • What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) is recommended. It provides good flavor while reducing excess grease. If you prefer a richer taste, you can use ground chuck with a higher fat content, but drain excess fat after cooking.

  • How spicy is this honey garlic sauce?

The sauce is more sweet and savory than spicy. It has a mild flavor profile with honey’s sweetness and garlic’s subtle kick. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to customize the spice level.

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Honey Garlic Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Honey Garlic Ground Beef And Broccoli Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory honey garlic ground beef and broccoli dances with sweet and tangy flavors, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Packed with protein and vibrant greens, this dish delivers comfort and excitement you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

Sauce and Serving:

  • 1 cup honey garlic sauce
  • 4 cups cooked rice (to serve with)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is completely browned and no longer pink.
  3. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring broccoli reaches a crisp-tender texture that offers slight resistance when pierced with a fork.
  4. Pour honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat every morsel evenly. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken, creating a glossy coating on the ingredients.
  5. Serve the honey garlic beef and broccoli immediately over prepared rice, letting the sauce permeate the grains and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Notes

  • Adjust garlic intensity by adding more or less minced garlic depending on personal preference for strong or mild flavor profiles.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish without compromising taste.
  • Swap traditional white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the recipe’s delicious essence.
  • Ensure broccoli remains crisp-tender by avoiding overcooking, which can make the vegetable mushy and lose its nutritional value.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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