Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

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This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is a weeknight dinner miracle — savory, sweet, sticky, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. The rich, garlicky sauce clings to tender broccoli florets and juicy ground beef, all served over a fluffy bed of steamed white rice. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like your favorite takeout, but it’s made in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

• Fast and fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal chopping.
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein that stretches well.
• Kid-approved: The sweet and savory sauce makes it super family-friendly.
• Meal prep gold: Stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.
• Healthier than takeout: Skip the additives and control the sodium and sugar.
• Customizable: Easily swap in ground turkey or tofu, or add extra veggies.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why They Matter):

• Large Skillet or Wok: A wide surface helps brown the ground beef evenly and allows room for the broccoli to stir-fry without steaming. A non-stick or stainless steel skillet both work great.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the ground beef and mixing the sauce into the meat without scratching your pan.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used to combine the honey garlic sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan. This ensures a well-balanced flavor and smooth texture.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for chopping onions, garlic, and trimming broccoli florets.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision matters for a balanced sauce—especially with bold flavors like soy sauce, garlic, and honey.
• Rice Cooker or Saucepan (optional): If you plan to serve this over rice, you’ll want to start it first. A rice cooker makes this process hands-free.

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Preparation Tips

• Chop broccoli into even-sized florets so they cook uniformly. Smaller pieces cook faster and soak up more sauce.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor — bottled minced garlic doesn’t pack the same punch.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should stay bright green with a slight crunch for the perfect contrast to the savory beef.
• Brown the beef properly — let it sit in the pan a bit before stirring so it gets that flavorful sear.
• Drain excess grease after browning the meat if your beef is higher in fat. This keeps the final dish from being greasy.
• Double the sauce if you love it extra saucy — it thickens beautifully over heat and coats the rice perfectly.

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Ingredients for This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold and flavorful dish together:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean (85/15 or 90/10) works best for flavor and minimal grease.
• 3 cups broccoli florets – Fresh is ideal, but frozen can be used in a pinch (just thaw first).
• 1 small onion, finely diced – Adds depth and sweetness to the beef base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – The backbone of the honey garlic flavor.
• 1 tbsp cooking oil – Any neutral oil like avocado, vegetable, or canola works well.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Forms the salty, umami-rich base of the sauce.
• 3 tbsp honey – Brings natural sweetness to balance the savory and garlic.
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional) – Adds a richer, deeper flavor (optional but recommended).
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry) – Thickens the sauce into that sticky glaze.
• 1 tsp sesame oil – A small but powerful flavor booster.
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a touch of heat.

Optional for Serving:

• 2–3 cups cooked white rice – Jasmine or basmati are ideal.
• Sesame seeds or chopped green onions – For garnish and a fresh finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Rice (Optional)

If you’re serving this with rice, start by cooking it according to package instructions. This gives it enough time to be ready just as your beef and broccoli finish cooking.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.

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Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the beef is browning, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.

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Step 5: Add Broccoli

Once the beef is fully cooked, add the broccoli florets directly to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the broccoli cook for 3–5 minutes. If you want softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the pan to steam it slightly.

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Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, followed by the cornstarch slurry. Stir well to coat all the beef and broccoli. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot honey garlic beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

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Notes

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
• Frozen broccoli hack: If using frozen broccoli, microwave it for 1–2 minutes first to remove excess moisture and prevent it from watering down the sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan: This causes the beef to steam instead of brown. Use a large skillet and give it space to sear.
• Not draining excess grease: Failing to remove grease can leave the final dish too oily, especially if using fattier ground beef.
• Overcooking broccoli: It turns mushy and dull. Aim for tender-crisp by cooking it just enough to soften slightly while keeping its vibrant green color.
• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This thickens the sauce to the perfect sticky glaze. Without it, the sauce will remain runny.
• Adding sauce too early: Wait until the beef is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender before mixing in the sauce—this helps it cling better to the ingredients.
• Not tasting before serving: Always give the final dish a taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
• Using high heat for the sauce: Too much heat can cause the sugars to burn. Simmer gently to let the flavors meld.
• Forgetting to garnish: Green onions and sesame seeds add texture and freshness. They may seem small, but they elevate the final dish.

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What to Serve With Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Looking to complete your meal? These sides and add-ons pair beautifully with this dish, adding texture, freshness, or extra comfort.

8 Recommendations

1. Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
   The go-to classic — it soaks up all that flavorful honey garlic sauce.
2. Garlic Fried Rice
   A more flavorful base that adds extra punch and makes the meal even heartier.
3. Chili Crisp Cucumbers
   Cool, crunchy, and a little spicy — a refreshing contrast to the warm savory beef.
4. Egg Drop Soup
   Light and silky, it rounds out the meal without making it too heavy.
5. Asian Slaw
   Bright, crunchy, and tangy — perfect for balancing the richness of the dish.
6. Spring Rolls or Potstickers
   Add a fun appetizer or side for a takeout-style dinner at home.
7. Ramen Noodles or Udon
   Toss them with sesame oil or soy sauce for a noodle base instead of rice.
8. Roasted Edamame or Green Beans
   A simple, protein-packed veggie side that’s crunchy and satisfying.

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Storage Instructions

This dish is ideal for meal prep and stores very well, maintaining both texture and flavor.

• Refrigerator: Let the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze it! Portion into freezer-safe containers (preferably without rice), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (without rice, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~330 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the exact ingredients used and optional toppings added.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well and makes this dish even leaner. Just be sure to season a bit more, as they are milder in flavor than beef.

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2. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can. Just thaw it beforehand and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture watering down the sauce.

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3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

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4. How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy if you include the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out entirely or adjust the amount to your heat preference.

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5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before using.

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6. How do I make it extra saucy?

Double the sauce ingredients if you love a lot of sauce — especially helpful when serving over rice or noodles.

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7. Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or shredded carrots make great additions to this dish.

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8. What kind of rice is best with this?

Jasmine rice is a favorite for its aroma and texture, but basmati or even brown rice work well too. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

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Conclusion

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is the kind of quick dinner that doesn’t feel rushed — it’s deeply flavorful, hearty, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or prepping it for easy lunches, this dish is a kitchen win every time. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and one pan? That’s dinner perfection.

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