Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Craving something fast, easy, and ridiculously delicious? This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is your new weeknight hero—think savory-sweet sauce, tender broccoli, and juicy ground beef all tossed together in under 30 minutes. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat, especially when you need a satisfying dinner without the fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it delightfully simple—every ingredient plays a crucial part in creating layers of flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what makes the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry come alive in your kitchen:

• Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory depth—the fat content keeps things juicy without being greasy.
• Broccoli florets (3 cups): Offer vibrant color and crunch; they soak up just the right amount of sauce.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Builds aromatic sweetness into every bite.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): The backbone of that signature honey garlic flavor!
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Gets everything sizzling and boosts richness.
• Soy sauce (⅓ cup, low sodium): Brings all the umami and allows you to control the saltiness.
• Honey (¼ cup): Gives the stir-fry its signature sweet finish and gorgeous glaze.
• Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Balances sweetness with a pop of brightness—don’t skip it!
• Ginger, grated (1 tsp): Adds a warm, peppery zip to the sauce.
• Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water): The secret to a glossy, thickened sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Brings a touch of heat—add more if you love spice!
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): The perfect bed for soaking up all that sauce.
• Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (for garnish): Offer crunch and fresh color, making your dinner feel extra-special.

Variations

The best part about this stir-fry? It’s crazy versatile. You can put your own spin on Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry based on what’s in your fridge or who you’re feeding—even picky eaters will dive in when you tailor it to their tastes!

• Swap the Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully in place of ground beef—same great flavors, your way.
• Load Up on Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots to make it extra colorful and packed with nutrients.
• Low-Carb Magic: Serve it over cauliflower rice for a light and wholesome twist.
• Kick Up the Heat: Love spice? Toss in extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to amp things up!

How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Whisk the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Give everything a good whisk so the honey dissolves completely. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth—this “slurry” will help thicken the sauce perfectly at the end!

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes (just until it begins to soften). Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until nicely browned. Stir in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Stir in the broccoli florets and add about ¼ cup water to the pan. Cover and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes—it should be bright green and tender-crisp, not overcooked. Remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate.

Step 4: Pour, Simmer & Thicken

Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything in the pan. Let it bubble for 2 minutes, then give your cornstarch slurry another stir and add it in. Toss well to coat, and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and gets shiny.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Take the pan off the heat and spoon the saucy stir-fry over bowls of hot rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra punch of flavor and color—dinner is served!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a shower of sliced green onions is the easiest way to elevate this stir-fry. A pinch of extra red pepper flakes or a few drops of toasted sesame oil on top will make it smell and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry absolutely shines over a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice, but don’t be afraid to spoon it over noodles or even quinoa. For a lighter touch, opt for cauliflower rice! Simple sides like steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad also round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this stir-fry family-style on a platter for a crowd-pleasing effect—just let everyone scoop their own! Or, pile the saucy beef, broccoli, and rice into lettuce cups for crunchy, handheld bites (kids absolutely love this version). You could even tuck leftovers into a wrap for a lunch-box win.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before sealing them in an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, so your next-day lunch will be even tastier! Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry can easily be frozen—just be aware the broccoli will soften a bit upon thawing. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring halfway for even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, give this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry a spot on your menu. It’s speedy, crave-worthy, and endlessly adaptable—just what every home cook needs after a long day. I can’t wait for you to discover how easy (and delicious!) homemade stir-fry can be.

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