Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Need dinner on the table fast? This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is your answer. It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, and packed with protein and fiber—all ready in 20 minutes or less. With no need to marinate or slice fancy cuts of meat, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re low on groceries but still want something incredibly satisfying.

This recipe takes the classic flavors of Chinese takeout beef and broccoli and gives them a budget-friendly twist using ground beef. The honey garlic sauce is sticky, bold, and perfectly balanced over fluffy rice, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps.

Ingredients Overview: Sweet, Savory, and Simple

Let’s break down the real flavor builders in this easy stir-fry and why they work so well together:

Ground Beef

• Lean ground beef (85–90%) works best for balanced flavor and less grease.

• Cooks quickly, absorbs sauce beautifully, and gives that hearty, savory base to the stir-fry.

• Optional: Drain excess fat after browning if needed.

Broccoli

• Adds crunch, color, and fiber.

• Use fresh florets for the best texture, or frozen in a pinch—just steam or microwave first so they don’t water down the dish.

Garlic

• Fresh garlic is essential here. It adds sharpness and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey.

Honey

• Natural sweetness that balances the soy sauce and enhances the garlic.

• Gives the sauce that glossy, sticky texture we crave in a good stir-fry.

Soy Sauce

• Provides umami and saltiness.

• Use low-sodium soy sauce if watching your sodium intake.

Ginger (optional but recommended)

• Adds warmth and zing. Use fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger in a pinch.

Cornstarch Slurry

• Thickens the sauce so it clings to the meat and broccoli.

• Optional, but makes the texture restaurant-style.

Sesame Oil

• Just a teaspoon finishes the dish with nutty, aromatic flavor.

Optional toppings:

• Green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Red pepper flakes for heat

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Ready in 20 Minutes

Step 1: Cook the Broccoli

• Bring a pot of water to boil. Blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

• Alternatively, microwave with a splash of water for 2–3 minutes.

• Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add 1 tbsp oil and 1 lb ground beef.

• Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.

• Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

• Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger.

• Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce

• 2 1/2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for balance)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Pour the sauce over the beef and stir well.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

• Add cooked broccoli to the skillet.

• Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

• Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot over:

• Steamed rice

• Brown rice

• Quinoa

• Cauliflower rice (for low carb)

Top with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a dash of red pepper flakes.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-chopped broccoli or a stir-fry veggie mix.

• Make the sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Double the recipe and freeze half for a future quick meal.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic mix.

• More Veggies: Add snap peas, shredded carrots, or red bell peppers.

• Asian-Inspired Bowl: Serve over soba noodles or ramen for a twist.

Substitutions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Leaner, lighter option that still absorbs flavor well.

• Vegetarian: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground “meat.”

• Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish works beautifully for:

• Weeknight dinners – Fast, healthy, and universally loved.

• Meal prep – Store in containers with rice or grains for ready-to-go meals.

• Family meals – Even picky eaters love the sweet-savory combo.

• Lunch wraps – Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch option.

Pair with:

• Steamed dumplings

• Miso soup

• Asian cucumber salad

• Edamame

Or just a simple bowl of jasmine rice—it’s comfort food perfection.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This meal checks a lot of healthy boxes:

• High protein: Each serving packs 25–30g of protein.

• Fiber-rich: Thanks to broccoli and optional whole grains.

• Controlled sugar: Only a few tablespoons of honey balance the dish.

• Lower fat option: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

For lower carb:

• Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

• Use reduced-sugar or keto-friendly honey alternative.

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FAQ: Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats really well and is ideal for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers.

2. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

3. What’s the best ground beef to use?

Use 85–90% lean ground beef. It has enough fat for flavor but not so much that it makes the dish greasy.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. But you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensuring your cornstarch and honey are certified GF.

5. Can I make it without cornstarch?

Yes, the sauce will be thinner but still flavorful. You can also thicken with arrowroot or tapioca starch as a substitute.

6. Can I add noodles to this dish?

Definitely! Serve over rice noodles, udon, or ramen for a stir-fry noodle bowl vibe.

7. What sides go well with this?

• Fried rice

• Stir-fried bok choy or baby spinach

• Dumplings

• Kimchi or pickled veggies for contrast

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