Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re hunting for a speedy weeknight dinner that tastes like it took all day, let me introduce you to Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry! This dish is bursting with sweet and savory flavors, loaded with tender-crisp broccoli, and coated in the most irresistible sticky honey garlic sauce. Plus, it’s all on the table in under 30 minutes—promise!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You might already have most of these simple ingredients on hand! Each one adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry shine. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Lean ground beef: Provides lots of satisfying protein and soaks up all the tasty sauce. Try to choose lean for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
• Broccoli florets: The signature green veggie for this stir-fry; they add crunch, color, and a fresh bite that plays so well with the savory beef.
• Onion (diced): Brings aromatic sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
• Garlic (minced): The heart of the dish: pungent, fragrant, and essential for that classic honey garlic magic.
• Olive oil: Helps everything sizzle up perfectly in the pan without sticking.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Supplies the savory backbone for the sauce—opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
• Honey: Gives the sauce its sticky, sweet richness that balances all the salty and umami notes.
• Rice vinegar: Adds gentle tang and brightness to keep things lively.
• Ginger (grated): Lends a little zesty warmth and depth that ties the sauce together.
• Cornstarch + water: The secret to that glossy, thick, restaurant-style stir-fry sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat! Totally up to you.
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): Your favorite base to turn this stir-fry into a hearty meal.
• Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish): Add crunch, color, and a fresh finish on top.

Variations

One of the best things about Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry? You can truly make it your own! Whether you’re working around allergies, dietary needs, or just cleaning out the fridge, here are some easy ways to switch things up:

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu—each brings a slightly different twist but tastes wonderful with the honey garlic sauce.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all make excellent add-ins alongside or in place of broccoli.
• Make it Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice, toss in spiralized zucchini, or skip the grain altogether for a lighter meal.
• Add Some Heat: Stir in sriracha or drizzle chili oil right at the end for a spicy kick.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Honey Garlic Sauce

Start by mixing your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and (if you like some heat) red pepper flakes in a small bowl. In another tiny bowl, stir together your cornstarch and water for later—this little slurry is your ticket to a velvety, thick sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté the Onion

Heat the olive oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high. Sauté the diced onion for two minutes to soften, then add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it browns—it shouldn’t be pink at all—and stir in the garlic for a quick fragrant boost.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli Until Bright and Crisp

Add the broccoli florets right into the pan, then pour in 1/4 cup water. Cover and let the steam work its magic for three to four minutes. The broccoli should be just tender with a little crunch—it’ll finish perfectly once the sauce goes in.

Step 4: Simmer with the Sauce and Thicken

Pour your honey garlic sauce all over the beef and veggies. Give it a good stir and let everything bubble together for about two minutes. Next, add the cornstarch slurry and watch as the sauce thickens up in about 60 seconds—so glossy and delicious!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish!

Take your skillet off the heat. Pile the stir-fry over fluffy rice or noodles, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy finish. That’s it—your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is ready!

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions elevate your stir-fry with little effort. If you want even more color, a few ribbons of raw bell pepper or a sprig of fresh cilantro are also lovely accents.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is delightful over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. For a lighter meal, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a simple Asian cucumber salad for a crisp, refreshing element.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving the stir-fry in sturdy lettuce cups for a hand-held twist, or dish it up family-style on a big platter with all the garnishes so everyone can customize their plate. Leftovers also make pretty awesome rice bowl lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as flavorful on day two—maybe even more so!

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes well, especially if you don’t mind the broccoli becoming a bit softer. Pack it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months for easy future meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, warm the stir-fry gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is in heavy rotation at my house—it’s crave-worthy, quick, and makes even the busiest weeknights feel a bit more special. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to dinner favorite too!

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