Few dishes strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory like Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli. This recipe is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sticky honey garlic sauce makes it an irresistible weeknight dinner option. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves bold flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. Unlike traditional beef and broccoli dishes that require thinly sliced steak, this version uses ground beef, making it more accessible and easier to cook. The honey garlic sauce—a blend of sweet, tangy, and umami flavors—coats every ingredient beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. Plus, with the addition of nutrient-rich broccoli, this meal is as wholesome as it is tasty. If you’re looking for a quick dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli recipe is a must-try.

What Makes Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli Special?

This dish is a game-changer because it’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. The honey garlic sauce—made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness—creates a glossy, caramelized coating that clings to the beef and broccoli. Unlike takeout versions that can be overly greasy, this homemade recipe is lighter yet just as satisfying. The use of ground beef also makes it more affordable and quicker to prepare than traditional stir-fry recipes.

Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe – A Sweet & Savory Delight

Recipe by Jamie Erin

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

380

kcal

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)

Directions for Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. In another bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce later.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Sautéing the Broccoli
Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. If using frozen broccoli, cook for an extra minute.
Combining with the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
Garnishing & Serving
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli?

Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice
Cauliflower Rice (low-carb option)
Quick Pickled Cucumbers (for freshness)
Egg Rolls or Dumplings (for an Asian-inspired feast)

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 18g

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli recipe is the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something quick, delicious, and wholesome. The sweet and savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli create a harmony of flavors that rivals takeout—but with less grease and more nutrients. Plus, it’s customizable: add more veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap beef for ground turkey. One bite, and this dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation!