If you need a weeknight dinner that’s quick, family-friendly, and absolutely crave-worthy, this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is about to become your new BFF! It delivers sweet, garlicky, and savory goodness with tender broccoli and juicy beef—all tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce, and ready in under 30 minutes. This is comfort food at its very best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast Dinner: With just 28 minutes from start to finish, this is the perfect cozy meal for busy nights—no sacrificing flavor for speed!
- Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce: The glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce soaks into every bite, making even picky eaters ask for seconds.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No fancy shopping required—the core ingredients are kitchen staples you likely already have at home.
- Customizable for Any Diet: Easily tweak this dish for gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegetarian needs (see below for ideas!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is in its fuss-free ingredient list. Each element has an important role, working together to create those unforgettable flavors and gorgeous colors on your plate!
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and keeps everything from sticking—use any neutral oil if you prefer.
- Garlic Cloves: Three fresh cloves, minced, infuse the entire skillet with rich, pungent aroma.
- Chopped White Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite when cooked down.
- Lean Ground Beef: Classic and juicy! Look for lean to reduce excess grease, but any ground beef works.
- Broccoli Florets: Chop them small so they cook quickly and soak up maximum sauce (fresh or frozen both work).
- Honey Garlic Sauce: The sweet-savory magic! Store-bought is totally fine, or use your own homemade blend.
- Cooked Rice: Fluffy white rice is the perfect base to catch all that gorgeous sauce—but feel free to swap for your favorite grain.
Variations
What I adore about Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is how customizable it is—don’t be afraid to riff on the basics and make it your own. Adapt based on what you have, your favorite flavors, or dietary needs!
- Chicken or Turkey Swap: Substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for a lighter, just-as-delicious twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Spoon the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter meal.
- Extra Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based ground “beef” and your favorite vegan honey garlic sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. When shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, letting those mouthwatering aromas fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring for about 3–4 minutes until the beef is browned all over and no longer pink—this is where those savory flavors start building!
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
Sprinkle the broccoli florets evenly over the beef. Stir to combine everything well. Let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender—soft enough to bite into, but with a slight crunch for contrast.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce all over the beef and veggies. Stir everything together to make sure every piece gets glossy and coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, and the broccoli reaches perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop generous portions of cooked rice into bowls, then top with big spoonfuls of hot Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. The sauce will sink into the rice, making each bite irresistible. Grab those chopsticks (or spoons!), gather your people, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Sauce Selection: If using store-bought honey garlic sauce, taste first—some brands are sweeter or saltier than others, so adjust the amount for your perfect balance.
- Size Matters for Broccoli: Cut the florets fairly small (1-inch pieces or less) so they cook quickly and get perfectly tender-crisp every time.
- Batch Cooking Trick: Double the beef and broccoli, store the extra sauce separately, and assemble fresh for speedy lunches all week.
- Rice Prep Shortcut: Use leftover or store-bought cooked rice—just reheat before serving for a meal that comes together in a flash!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil for restaurant-style flair. These little touches add a pop of color and a new layer of flavor to every bowl of Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it’s also wonderful with steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or simple miso soup for a complete takeout-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the beef and broccoli mixture into lettuce wraps for a fresh party appetizer, pile it into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches, or load it into a steamed bao bun for something a little unexpected and super fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the rice and protein mixture separately if possible, so the rice doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked ground beef and broccoli (sans rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and whip up a fresh batch of rice when ready to serve for best texture.
Reheating
Microwave single servings until piping hot, or rewarm everything in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Just avoid overheating to keep the broccoli bright and tender!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great—just add it directly to the pan (no need to thaw first) and cook for an extra minute or so until heated through and tender-crisp. It’s a fantastic shortcut.
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What’s the best way to make homemade honey garlic sauce?
Whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 3–4 minced garlic cloves, and 1–2 tablespoons water. For a touch of heat, add chili flakes; for extra tang, add a splash of rice vinegar!
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Is Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure your honey garlic sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free—tamari works perfectly as a substitute for soy sauce if needed.
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Can I prep this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes—this is a meal prep superstar! Cook as directed, cool, and store individual servings in the fridge. The flavors get even better as the sauce soaks in, making quick lunches or dinners a breeze.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli a try very soon—it’s pure weeknight joy! Fast, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli, a flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with tender broccoli in a sweet honey garlic sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this meal is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients
Garlic Mixture:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped white onion
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup honey garlic sauce
- 4 cups cooked rice, to serve with
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Mixture: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Cook until onion is translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pan. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets. Cook until slightly soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour honey garlic sauce over the mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Scoop rice into bowls, top with the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
