Introduction

This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with a dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer consists of fluffy white rice with visible grains, the middle layer has bright green broccoli florets with a slightly rough texture and tight buds, and the top layer is a rich, glossy brown sauce coating tender pieces of ground meat, giving a shiny and thick appearance. The dish is arranged neatly with the broccoli on top of the rice and the meat covering parts of the broccoli. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
3 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
¼ cup honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups cooked rice or noodles (optional, for serving)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry and set both aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the broccoli florets to the pan along with ¼ cup of water. Cover and steam for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Then add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add sliced bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
Make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
To save time, use pre-cut broccoli florets and pre-minced garlic from the store.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, the middle layer consists of dark brown, saucy ground beef coated in a glossy sauce, and the top layer is made of bright green broccoli florets that are slightly steamed, adding a fresh texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the substitute is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a thickening substitute in the same quantity. Alternatively, let the sauce reduce longer without the slurry for a naturally thicker consistency.