If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both foolproof and full of flavor, you’re going to fall in love with this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. Imagine tender bites of beef and crisp-tender broccoli, all tossed in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce and served steaming over fluffy rice. It’s fast, easy, and tastes just like a family favorite—because once you’ve tried it, it will be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fast & Satisfying: You can have Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli on the table in less than half an hour—hello, new weeknight hero!
- Unbeatable Flavor: The honey garlic sauce coats every bite with that sweet, garlicky punch we all crave (without takeout prices).
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in just one pan, so you spend less time washing and more time enjoying dinner.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Even picky eaters love the savory-sweet combo, and the recipe is easy to tailor for any dietary need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a starring role: the beef adds richness, fresh broccoli brings color and crunch, while the honey garlic sauce ties it all together with irresistible flavor. Even better, everything is easy to find and makes each bite shine.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic really makes the honey garlic sauce sing—pre-minced works in a pinch, but chopping your own brings the best flavor.
- 1 cup chopped white onion: The onion softens into the sauce and adds a subtle sweet undertone to balance the honey.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Choose lean beef for a lighter meal that still feels hearty and satisfying. You can substitute ground turkey, too!
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small: Cutting the broccoli into bite-sized pieces means they cook quickly and get perfectly tender-crisp.
- 1 cup honey garlic sauce: Store-bought or homemade both work; pick your favorite for an easy shortcut, or whip up your own if you love extra garlic kick.
- 4 cups cooked rice (to serve): Rice soaks up all the luscious sauce—use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you prefer.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing those aromatics and ensuring everything starts off rich and flavorful.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is just how easy it is to mix things up! Whether you’re working with what’s in the fridge, eating gluten-free, or craving a spicy twist, there’s a way to make this recipe perfect for you.
- Swap in Other Vegetables: Feel free to use snap peas, bell pepper, carrots, or even mushrooms for a colorful veggie boost.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha in the sauce for a fiery kick!
- Try Ground Turkey or Chicken: Both work beautifully if you’re looking for something lighter or just want to use up what’s on hand.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or skip the rice and pile the saucy beef and broccoli into lettuce wraps.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, letting the aromas fill your kitchen. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes, just until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant—this simple step is what sets the foundation for the incredible flavor to come.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add your lean ground beef straight into the pan with the onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles, cooking until all the pink is gone—about 3–4 minutes. Make sure the beef is evenly browned; this adds both taste and texture to your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Stir in the chopped broccoli florets and toss everything together. You’re aiming for broccoli that’s vibrant green and just fork-tender, which should take around 3–4 minutes. The key is not to overcook—broccoli tastes best when it still has a little bite!
Step 4: Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to ensure everything is coated. Let it bubble together for 1–2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and infuse every bite with that signature sweet-savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve Over Rice
To serve, spoon the steaming cooked rice into bowls and top generously with the saucy honey garlic ground beef and broccoli. Dinner is served! Enjoy every sweet, gingery, garlicky bite.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Broccoli Cutting Trick: Chop your florets extra small so they cook at the same speed as the beef—no mushy stems, just perfect crunch with every spoonful!
- Sauce Consistency Hack: Want it extra glossy? Add the honey garlic sauce last and let it simmer gently; a minute or two is all you need for luscious, restaurant-style shine.
- Batch Prep Made Easy: This dish reheats like a dream! Double the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli and stash leftovers for speedy lunches all week.
- Flavor Boost: Toast a sprinkle of sesame seeds or add a dash of toasted sesame oil at the end for an irresistible nutty finish.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions really makes this dish pop—both add color and a gentle crunch. For a little citrusy brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime or a scatter of cilantro is always a welcome addition!
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli truly shines served over rice, but you can make it a full feast by adding egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a crisp side salad tossed with an Asian-inspired dressing. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted edamame or quick cucumber pickles for extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in colorfully stacked bowls for a takeout-style vibe, or try piling the honey garlic beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for an easy party appetizer. For a bento lunch, pack rice, meat, and vegetables into neat compartments with fun picks or little sauce containers on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack any leftovers of Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors deepen as they rest—making lunch or dinner the next day even more irresistible.
Freezing
Good news for meal preppers: this dish freezes like a charm! Let everything cool, portion into freezer-safe containers (rice included or separate), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture, especially if your broccoli is still fairly bite-sized.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave gently in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot. For best results on the stovetop, warm over low heat with a splash of water or extra honey garlic sauce to loosen things up—your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli will taste like it was just cooked!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and drain off any excess water before adding it. You may need to reduce the cook time slightly, because frozen broccoli tends to soften faster than fresh.
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What’s the best honey garlic sauce to use?
Store-bought honey garlic sauces save time and taste great, just look for one with few ingredients and plenty of garlic! If you love a stronger homemade flavor, it’s easy to make your own by combining honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar and ginger.
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Is there a way to make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free honey garlic sauce (or make your own with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari), and check that your rice is gluten-free. This dish is so naturally adaptable, it’s easy to keep it allergy-friendly.
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Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely. Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is a fantastic meal prep option—just double all the ingredients, cook as directed, and portion into containers for easy, tasty meals all week long.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s quick, family-friendly, and utterly satisfying—so why not give it a try tonight? Grab your favorite bowl and dig in; I have a feeling it’s about to become your new favorite too!
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef and crisp broccoli cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients
For the dish:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup honey garlic sauce
- 4 cups cooked rice, to serve with
Instructions
- Heat the frying pan: Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, minced garlic cloves, and chopped onion. Cook until the onion turns translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Add the lean ground beef. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli: Add broccoli florets and stir together. Cook until the broccoli is slightly soft when poked with a fork, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with sauce: Pour honey garlic sauce over everything and mix. Cook another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Scoop rice into bowls, top with the ground beef broccoli mixture. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 526 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 837mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 83g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
