If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and hits all the right notes between savory and sweet, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that combines tender ground beef with vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving some comfort food, this recipe delivers satisfying texture, bold flavors, and a delightful balance that makes dinner feel special without tons of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to creating a dish that’s delicious and balanced. Each component here is straightforward yet essential, bringing distinct flavors, textures, and colors that make this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe truly shine.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty richness and protein, giving the stir-fry its meaty backbone.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color, a satisfying crunch, and a dose of nutrition.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Gives the sauce a sweet, sticky finish that complements the savory notes perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic pungency that’s key to the honey garlic flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for browning the beef, it adds subtle fruitiness and helps with cooking.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to lift the sauce and keep it from being too sweet.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it beautifully coats every piece of beef and broccoli.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps disperse the cornstarch evenly, ensuring a smooth sauce texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat if you like a little extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty fragrance and authentic stir-fry flavor during broccoli cooking.
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced: Contributes a zesty freshness and subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with garlic and honey.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Pan
Start by warming a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. This is crucial as it ensures your ingredients sear quickly and retain their juices and flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef
Pour in the olive oil and let it get warm for about 30 seconds. Then add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Let it brown nicely for 5 to 7 minutes, which builds a delicious caramelized flavor that forms the base of this dish.
Step 3: Prep the Broccoli
While your beef cooks, wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Having these ready ensures a smooth transition to the next steps.
Step 4: Remove the Beef
Once the ground beef is cooked through and browned, scoop it out of the pan and set it aside so you can cook the broccoli in the same pan, capturing all those beefy bits left behind.
Step 5: Cook Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli
Add the sesame oil to the pan and let it heat for 30 seconds. Then toss in your minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. Add the broccoli florets, stirring well and cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they just start to get tender yet maintain a satisfying bite.
Step 6: Mix the Sauce
While the broccoli is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and if you like, crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This mix is what makes this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe so irresistibly saucy and flavorful.
Step 7: Combine Beef and Broccoli with Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling beautifully to the beef and veggies.
Step 8: Final Taste and Serve
Give your stir-fry a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This part is where you make the dish truly your own before serving it up.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top. These simple garnishes add not just visual appeal but a pleasant textural contrast and fresh flavor that elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines when served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. Alternatively, toss it with noodles for a hearty twist. Pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad can also brighten up the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the stir-fry in large bowls topped with extra sauce on the side for dipping. You can even stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held experience. Either way, the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe adapts wonderfully to your culinary style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the stir-fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes even better when reheated slowly to bring the flavors back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! While broccoli is classic here, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can also be delicious substitutes or additions that bring colorful variety and crisp texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and confirm that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can certainly work; just be mindful that they tend to cook faster and may be leaner, so watch the cooking time and adjust seasoning accordingly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but they are optional. You can customize the spice level or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, mixing the sauce ahead of time is a great shortcut. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to cook, and give it a quick stir before adding to the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe has become a beloved staple because it’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to whip up any day of the week. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, turning simple ingredients into something special that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender ground beef and crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this stir-fry combines easy preparation with delicious Asian-inspired flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal served over rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Warm Olive Oil: Add olive oil to the pan and let it warm for about 30 seconds to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Prepare Broccoli: While beef cooks, wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Set Beef Aside: Remove cooked beef from the pan and set aside to make space for the broccoli.
- Heat Sesame Oil: In the same pan, add sesame oil and heat for 30 seconds to enhance flavor for the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the sauce base.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and stir for 3-4 minutes until broccoli becomes tender but still crisp.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, creating a balanced sauce.
- Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return cooked ground beef to the pan with the broccoli, preparing to coat both with the sauce.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over beef and broccoli.
- Cook with Sauce: Stir together and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the beef and broccoli.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring balanced flavors.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic ground beef and broccoli stir-fry over rice or noodles if desired for a complete meal.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry!
Notes
- You can omit the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles according to your preference.
- Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor, but powders can be used in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
