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

This Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the ultimate weeknight dinner — ready in just 20 minutes, packed with flavor, and made with simple pantry staples. Juicy ground beef is sautéed until golden and caramelized, then tossed in a sticky-sweet honey garlic sauce with tender-crisp broccoli. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a comforting, budget-friendly meal that satisfies every craving.

Inspired by classic Asian-style stir-fries but made with ground beef for convenience and speed, this dish offers all the sweet-savory flavor you love with fewer steps and ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family fast.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe is all about balance — sweet, salty, savory, and just a hint of heat. Here’s how each ingredient plays its role:

For the Stir-Fry:

• Ground Beef: Use 85% or 90% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and reduced grease. Ground beef browns quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully.

  • Alternative: Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles work well too.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli adds texture and vibrant color. Blanching or quickly steaming helps preserve that tender-crisp bite.

  • Tip: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry before adding to the pan.

• Garlic: The backbone of the sauce. Freshly minced garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor.

• Ginger (optional): Adds a warm, zingy note that balances the sweetness of the honey.

• Green Onions: Add mild onion flavor and freshness — stirred in at the end or used as garnish.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Base of the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid oversalting.

• Honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.

• Sesame Oil: Just a small amount gives a toasty finish.

• Cornstarch + Water Slurry: Thickens the sauce to that glossy, takeout-style texture.

• Optional: Red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat, hoisin sauce for extra depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (mix separately, then stir in)

• Optional: 1 teaspoon minced ginger and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Set aside.

2. Cook the Broccoli

Steam or blanch 3–4 cups broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

Shortcut: Microwave with a splash of water in a covered bowl for 2 minutes.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add 1 pound ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and crispy around the edges.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Add 3–4 cloves of garlic (minced) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the Sauce and Broccoli

Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat.

Stir in the cooked broccoli and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute until heated through.

5. Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy, honey, or spice to taste).

Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Make it Spicy: Add sriracha or chili garlic paste for more heat.

• Low-Sugar Version: Use less honey or a sugar-free honey substitute.

• Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your vinegar and sauces.

• Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers with rice for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is ideal for:

• Weeknight Dinners: On the table in 20 minutes with minimal prep.

• Meal Prep: Make ahead in batches and portion with rice or noodles.

• Family-Friendly Meals: Kids love the sweet-savory flavor.

• Quick Lunches: Reheats well for office or school lunches.

Pair with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice

• Ramen or soba noodles

• A side of Asian cucumber salad or egg rolls

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish offers a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbs:

• Ground beef provides iron and protein — choose lean for a healthier balance.

• Broccoli adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

• Homemade sauce allows you to control sugar, sodium, and preservatives found in takeout.

For a lighter version:

• Use lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles

• Serve with cauliflower rice

• Reduce honey or use natural sweeteners

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A1: Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the pan to prevent excess moisture.

Q2: What can I substitute for honey?

A2: Maple syrup or brown sugar work well. For a sugar-free option, try monk fruit syrup.

Q3: Can I make this ahead?

A3: Definitely. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?

A4: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure other sauces are certified gluten-free.

Q5: Can I freeze it?

A5: Yes. Freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently. Broccoli may lose some texture but flavor remains strong.

Q6: What noodles go best with this?

A6: Udon, rice noodles, or lo mein-style egg noodles all work well. Toss them right into the pan with the beef and sauce.

Q7: Is this dish kid-friendly?

A7: Very! The sweet-savory sauce is typically a hit with kids. Just reduce or omit the chili flakes or spicy elements.

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