If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is the answer. This recipe offers tender beef mixed with fresh broccoli, all coated in a sweet honey garlic sauce that’ll satisfy your taste buds without a lot of fuss.
This recipe solves issues with bland flavor, uneven cooking of beef and broccoli, and time-consuming preparation for quick, tasty weeknight dinners with simple ingredients.
I’ve faced those busy weeknights when dinner prep feels overwhelming. Finding a dish that everyone loves while getting it on the table quickly can be a real challenge. That’s why this recipe becomes a favorite; it’s simple and packed with flavors that please even the pickiest eaters.
This dish comes together in just about 28 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner. With each bite, you enjoy tender beef that melts in your mouth, alongside crisp broccoli that keeps things interesting.
If you want to keep things healthy while still making sure everyone enjoys their meal, check out my recipe for Broccolini Frittata, which is another great way to use up those vibrant veggies.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free because it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or oats among the listed ingredients.
- The recipe is not vegan due to the presence of ground beef, which is an animal product.
- This recipe suits dairy-free diets as none of the ingredients include milk, cheese, or other dairy items.
- Because honey contains carbohydrates, this recipe is not suitable for strict keto or low-carb diets.
- The recipe is nut-free since there are no nuts or nut-derived ingredients in the ingredient list.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy Dinner , In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal fuss and helps you get dinner on the table quickly.
- Flavor Packed , Sweet honey pairs beautifully with savory garlic, creating a rich, tasty sauce that coats the tender ground beef and crisp broccoli. Every bite bursts with bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients , With lean ground beef and fresh broccoli, you’re serving a dish that’s not just filling but also packed with essential nutrients. This meal supports a balanced diet while still satisfying your hunger.
- Versatile Dish , Easy to modify, this recipe lets you play around with different veggies or sauces if you’re craving something new. It’s a great foundation for family meals, with options to suit everyone’s tastes.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: gluten-free
Description
A delicious honey garlic ground beef and broccoli recipe that is gluten-free and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3 cloves (about 9 g) garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150 g) white onion, chopped
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 3 cups (270 g) broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup (240 ml) honey garlic sauce
- 4 cups (640 g) cooked rice, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, approximately 1–2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cups of chopped broccoli florets. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the broccoli is crisp-tender and can be pierced easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Pour 1 cup of honey garlic sauce evenly over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.
- Step 5: Spoon 4 cups of cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the honey garlic ground beef and broccoli mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain flavor.
- Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- If broccoli is not bright green while cooking, add 1 tablespoon of water and cover the skillet for 2 minutes to steam and improve color and tenderness.
- If the sauce is not coating the meat well, let the mixture simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- If garlic starts to burn during sautéing, reduce the heat immediately and add 1 tablespoon of broth to prevent bitterness.
- To avoid dry beef, cook for 3–4 minutes while breaking apart thoroughly, ensuring even cooking without overdrying.
- For additional umami flavor, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce 1 minute before finishing the cooking.
- Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy base.
- Accompany with stir-fried bok choy or a simple cucumber salad.
- Use the beef and broccoli mixture as a filling for lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or tacos.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top for more flavor.
- Substitute ground beef with alternative proteins such as chicken or tofu (not specified exact quantity but use equivalent volume).
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Choose 80/20 ground beef for better juiciness and flavor retention. Leaner beef can lead to a drier dish.
- Select fresh broccoli with vibrant green, firm florets for best texture. Frozen broccoli is acceptable but has a softer bite.
- Use fresh garlic cloves minced by hand for optimal flavor; pre-minced garlic may lack pungency.
- Use quality honey, preferably local, for sweetness and depth in the sauce. Avoid overly processed varieties for better taste.
- Use low-sodium, naturally brewed soy sauce for umami without overpowering saltiness.
- Add toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking for aroma and depth (not quantified in recipe).
- Fresh green onions add color and fresh flavor for garnishing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 ground beef for a juicy texture. It holds onto the sauce better, plus more flavor! Leaner cuts can make the dish dry.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best. Look for vibrant green florets that are firm and perky. Frozen works if you’re in a pinch but fresh has better bite!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key! Use whole cloves and mince them yourself. Pre-minced versions can lack that bold punch. Don’t skip this one for flavor enhancement!
- Honey: Use a good quality honey for sweetness and depth. Local varieties often have richer flavors. Avoid overly processed honey to ensure a genuine taste experience.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: It adds umami without overwhelming saltiness. Look for a naturally brewed option for better flavor. If gluten-free, use tamari instead!
- Ground Ginger: Freshly grated ginger packs a punch! If using dried, make sure it’s potent. This brings warmth and a fragrant touch to the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding depth. Choose toasted sesame oil for a richer flavor. It’s best added at the end to keep its aroma.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a pop of color and freshness. Choose ones with firm stalks and bright green tips. They’re great for garnish and flavor!
Recipe Tips
- If broccoli isn’t bright green, add 1 tablespoon of water and cover for 2 minutes to steam while cooking, enhancing color and tenderness.
- When sauce isn’t coating meat well, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat to thicken, ensuring better flavor integration.
- If garlic starts to burn, lower heat immediately and add 1 tablespoon of broth to prevent bitterness while sautéing onions.
- For dry beef, adjust cooking time to 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart thoroughly to avoid overcooking and maintain moisture.
- If your dish needs more flavor, add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce 1 minute before finishing for an added umami boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy base. You can also include a side of stir-fried bok choy or a simple cucumber salad.
Use to make wraps by scooping the honey garlic ground beef and broccoli into lettuce leaves. You can add this mixture to grain bowls or individual tacos for a hearty meal.
Top with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a fresh touch. You can drizzle additional honey garlic sauce over the dish for extra flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner protein option. Cook it the same way, breaking it apart until fully browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic and onion. This adds a warm, spicy note that complements the honey garlic sauce nicely.
- Either fresh or frozen broccoli can be used depending on what you have. If using frozen, thaw and drain before adding to maintain texture and avoid excess moisture.
- If doubling the recipe for more servings, use 2 pounds of ground beef and 2 cups of honey garlic sauce. Cook in batches if your pan is small to ensure even cooking.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your honey garlic ground beef and broccoli fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to maintain flavor.
Freezing: Wrap portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer container up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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If you enjoyed this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
