Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the answer to busy weeknight dinner dreams! You get juicy beef, tender-crisp broccoli, an irresistible honey-garlic glaze, and a meal that tastes fancier than it is—all ready in a flash, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is that the ingredient list is short, sweet, and speaks for itself. Each element brings something essential—juicy protein, crisp veggies, and that crave-worthy sticky glaze.

• Lean ground beef: Using lean beef keeps the dish lighter, but still delivers all that hearty, savory flavor. Substitute with another ground meat if you prefer.
• Broccoli florets: The star veggie here—choose fresh for best texture and color, but frozen works in a pinch.
• Small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the base of the stir-fry.
• Garlic, minced: A generous amount of garlic is essential for that signature honey-garlic punch!
• Olive oil: Just enough to help everything brown up beautifully.
• Soy sauce (low sodium): Provides umami, seasoning, and a rich base for the sauce—low sodium helps you control saltiness.
• Honey: Sweetens the sauce while helping it get glossy and sticky, perfect for coating every bite.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a hint of tang to balance the sweet and savory notes.
• Ginger, grated: Fresh ginger brightens and lifts the flavors. If you love ginger, feel free to add a little extra.
• Cornstarch (mixed with water): This quick slurry gives the sauce that irresistible silky thickness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a kick—add a little or a lot!
• Cooked rice or noodles (optional): Your starchy, comforting base—pick whichever you crave.
• Sesame seeds & green onions (optional): These classic toppings add pop, crunch, and color to finish off your dish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is that it’s endlessly adaptable—mix and match to fit what you have on hand, your dietary needs, or even just to shake up the flavors!

• Make it spicier: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a splash of sriracha in the sauce.
• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu to suit different diets or preferences.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed zucchini noodles for a lighter, carb-friendly bowl.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, shredded carrots, or baby corn—this stir-fry is a veggie playground.

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

Step 1: Whisk Up the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and glossy. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to make a quick slurry. Set both aside—having the sauce ready ensures your stir-fry comes together lightning-fast!

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Sauté Aromatics

Add olive oil to a hot skillet over medium-high. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and just turning translucent. Add the ground beef and use a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds—just long enough to unlock that wonderful aroma!

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Mix in the broccoli florets and pour in 1/4 cup water. Cover the pan and steam for 3–4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender-crisp—don’t overcook, so it keeps its color and bite.

Step 4: Simmer with the Honey Garlic Sauce

Give your sauce one last stir and pour it into the skillet with the beef and broccoli. Let everything bubble away together for a couple of minutes, so the sauce can infuse the meat and veggies with sweet, garlicky flavor.

Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Stir in the cornstarch slurry, mixing thoroughly to coat everything. Within a minute, the sauce will turn perfectly thick and glossy—ready to cling to every bite. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!

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

Garnishes

Give your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry a finishing touch with sesame seeds for nutty crunch and sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Even a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for the spice lovers works wonders!

Side Dishes

This stir-fry shines over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice—or, for a comforting twist, some slurp-worthy noodles. If you want something lighter, choose cauliflower rice or even crisp lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in individual rice bowls, tuck it into lettuce wraps for a party platter, or layer it over noodles in a deep plate for a cozy, slurpable meal. Don’t be afraid to pile on the garnishes and serve family-style for a showstopping center-of-the-table presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The sauce actually gets more flavorful as it sits, making this a winner for lunch the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for future quick meals! Just let everything cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, slightly undercook the broccoli before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or use the microwave—just cover to retain moisture. Stir halfway through for even heating and garnish fresh before serving again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fast, vibrant dinner that pleases everyone, Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds and your schedule will both thank you!

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