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

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and packed with comfort, this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is your new go-to. With tender-crisp broccoli, juicy ground beef, and a sticky, savory-sweet garlic sauce, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Bonus: it’s simple, uses pantry staples, and is perfect for meal prep.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There’s a reason this stir-fry recipe is loved by home cooks and busy families alike:

• Super quick: From start to finish in 25 minutes.
• Minimal ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry.
• Meal prep friendly: Makes four servings that reheat beautifully.
• Customizable: Add extra veggies, adjust the spice, or swap in gluten-free alternatives.
• Flavor-packed: Sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce that coats every bite of beef and broccoli.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Stir-Fry

• ✅ Juicy, perfectly browned ground beef with minimal fuss.
• ✅ Tender broccoli with a satisfying crunch.
• ✅ Sweet and savory sauce with a hint of garlic heat.
• ✅ Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using tamari or coconut aminos.
• ✅ Great for quick weeknight dinners or batch cooking for lunches.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe. Exact measurements included, grouped for clarity:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishing Touch

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cups cooked rice (for serving)
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds or sliced green onions

Serving Size: 1 portion = 1/4 of recipe over rice.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Steamer basket or microwave-safe dish for broccoli
• Optional: rice cooker or pot for cooking rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfect results every time.

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. This forms the savory base of your stir-fry.

2. Steam the Broccoli

While the beef is cooking, steam broccoli florets until just tender-crisp.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water and cover for 2–3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Steam in a basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Water
• Cornstarch
• Red pepper flakes (if using)

Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumps. This creates a glossy, thick sauce.

4. Combine Beef & Sauce

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir to coat the meat evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. You should see a shiny, sticky glaze forming around the beef.

5. Add Broccoli

Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss to combine. Ensure each floret is coated with the delicious honey garlic sauce.

6. Finish & Serve

Drizzle sesame oil on top and toss once more. Serve hot over freshly cooked rice. Optional garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Tips & Variations

• Extra veggies: Add sliced red bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more crunch.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust spice: Increase or skip red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer lighter meat.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste & Texture

• Sweet and garlicky sauce clings to juicy beef and crisp broccoli.
• Balanced saltiness from soy sauce and subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes.
• Soft rice complements the sticky, flavorful stir-fry perfectly.

Pairings

• Drinks: Light white wine (Riesling, Pinot Grigio), sparkling water with lemon, or iced green tea.
• Sides: Simple cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or stir-fried noodles.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving with Rice)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 920mg

Dietary Notes: Contains gluten (substitute with tamari for GF), dairy-free, nut-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Beef: Can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Broccoli: Steam in advance; keep separate until reheating.
• Rice: Prepare a batch at the start of the week; reheat when serving.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Steam or microwave it first to ensure it doesn’t release excess water into the stir-fry.

2. Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

3. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Replace rice with cauliflower rice to make it low-carb/keto-friendly.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger skillet or wok to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep (chop & measure)	5–7 mins
Cook beef	6–8 mins
Steam broccoli	3–4 mins
Make & simmer sauce	2–3 mins
Combine & serve	2–3 mins
Total Time	25 mins

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
• Add a wedge of lime for a subtle tang.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Loaded: Add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
2. Spicy Garlic: Mix in chili paste or Sriracha for extra heat.
3. Low-Sugar: Replace honey with a sugar substitute or reduce the amount.
4. Asian-Inspired Noodles: Serve over udon, soba, or rice noodles instead of rice.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

• Selection: Use 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness.
• Storage: Keep in the fridge for 1–2 days; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Cooking Tip: Browning the beef properly develops deep, rich flavor.

Broccoli

• Selection: Choose firm, bright green florets.
• Storage: Store in a perforated bag in the fridge.
• Enhancement: Steam until just tender-crisp to maintain color, crunch, and nutrients.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown beef in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and achieve a rich crust.
• Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Toss broccoli gently to prevent breaking apart.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cooked beef & sauce: Store together in airtight containers.
• Steamed broccoli: Keep separate for best texture.
• Rice: Freeze in portions, thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Freezing: Avoid adding sesame oil until reheating for best flavor.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	27 g
Carbs	44 g
Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	920 mg
Cholesterol	70 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if soy sauce replaced, dairy-free, nut-free.

Expanded Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a weeknight hero: fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. From meal prepping for a busy week to serving a last-minute family dinner, it delivers bold flavors without fuss.

Try it with your favorite rice, noodles, or extra veggies, and don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that authentic touch. Make it, savor it, and share it — because this stir-fry is too good to keep to yourself!

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