Name: Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup honey; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Cooked rice, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A fast and flavorful stir-fry, this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli recipe combines the richness of savory ground beef, the crisp-tender bite of broccoli, and a sweet garlic sauce that ties everything together. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting, quick, and satisfying—all in under 30 minutes.

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

3 cloves garlic, minced

⅓ cup honey

⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

I stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant.

Next, I toss in the broccoli and stir-fry it for 3–4 minutes. If I’m using fresh broccoli, I like to cover the skillet for a minute to help it steam and soften.

While that’s cooking, I whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Then I pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli.

I stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook everything for another 1–2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

I serve it hot over a bowl of cooked rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have. Sometimes I add red bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. When I want more heat, I’ll stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. If I want to lighten it up, I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even crumbled tofu.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I just microwave it in short bursts until hot, stirring halfway through. If I have time, I prefer reheating it in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the broccoli. It’s not freezer-friendly long-term due to the sauce, but it holds up well in the fridge.

FAQs

How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?

I stir-fry the broccoli briefly and avoid overcooking. If I use fresh broccoli, covering it for a minute helps it steam just enough without turning mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes cook the beef and broccoli ahead and keep the sauce separate until I’m ready to serve. This keeps everything tasting fresh.

What kind of rice works best?

I like using jasmine or basmati rice for their fragrance, but plain white or brown rice works perfectly too. Even cauliflower rice is great for a low-carb option.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. I use frozen broccoli often—just make sure to thaw it slightly and pat it dry so it doesn't water down the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If I use a gluten-free soy sauce like tamari, the recipe becomes gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Conclusion

This honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is everything I want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and deeply satisfying. With its bold flavors and minimal prep, it’s a dish I find myself coming back to again and again. Whether I’m feeding my family or just craving something cozy, it always hits the spot.

Recipe:

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful stir-fry made with ground beef, broccoli, and a sweet garlic soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes. If using fresh broccoli, cover the skillet for a minute to help it steam.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to combine.
Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve hot over cooked rice.