If you’re looking for a savory, saucy weeknight dinner that punches above its weight in both flavor and speed, Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is here to become your new obsession. Savory ground beef gets tossed with crisp-tender broccoli, then bathed in a glossy, garlicky soy-honey sauce. Served over fluffy rice and finished with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, every bite is salty, sweet, and just a little bit sticky — in the best possible way. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a swoon-worthy meal that tastes like your favorite takeout, without leaving home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is how a handful of humble ingredients each play a star role — from savory-sweet sauce to hearty protein and vibrant veggies. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each one to guarantee amazing results every time:
- Sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a warm, nutty aroma that signals stir-fry perfection from the very first sizzle.
- Ground beef: The quick-cooking, meaty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors and keeps things super satisfying — go for lean beef if you prefer.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp broccoli brings gorgeous color and a tender bite; frozen works too, just thaw and pat dry first.
- Garlic: Three cloves (don’t skimp!) deliver that bold, essential flavor no stir-fry should be without.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Lends salty, umami backbone without overpowering — using low-sodium helps balance all the flavors.
- Honey: Adds that signature sweetness, making the sauce irresistible and slightly sticky.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity keeps things bright and lifts the flavors.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger offers gentle warmth and depth; fresh is best, but you can use 1/4 teaspoon dried in a pinch.
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water): Quickly thickens your sauce to that luxurious, takeout-style consistency.
- Green onions: Sliced and scattered on top, they provide a fresh crunch and pop of color.
- Sesame seeds: Optional but highly recommended — even a few take the presentation and flavor to the next level.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Your favorite base for all that saucy goodness; make it ahead for extra convenience.
How to Make Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want crumbly, browned bits (not big chunks!) for maximum sauce absorption. Let it cook until fully browned, about 5–6 minutes, then drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic turns fragrant — this quick step unlocks big flavor.
Step 3: Broccoli Time
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them with the beef for 3–4 minutes, letting them turn bright green and just tender while still keeping a little bite. If your broccoli is large, break the florets down for even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Once mixed, pour the sweet-savory sauce over the beef and broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated and glossy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch whisked with water) and cook the whole skillet for another 1–2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and transform into that irresistible, shiny, sticky glaze that truly defines great Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from heat and scatter on your sliced green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds. Serve hot over a mound of perfectly cooked rice, and get ready to swoon at first bite.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Top your bowls with a shower of green onions for a lively crunch and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for irresistible toasty flavor. If you like a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of sriracha adds a kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet-savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is a complete meal served simply over rice, but if you’re feeling fancy, it’s wonderful with steamed edamame, crisp cucumber salad, or even a light miso soup. A side of pickled vegetables adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on classic plating, try spooning your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry into lettuce wraps for a handheld dinner, or layer it over brown rice in meal prep bowls for grab-and-go lunches. Individual ramekins or mini skillets also turn this quick dish into a wow-worthy dinner party main.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers quickly and transfer them to an airtight container. Your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal preppers and next-day lunches.
Freezing
This stir-fry is freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool fully, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results — the sauce will keep its texture nicely thanks to the cornstarch thickener.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave in a loosely covered container until hot, or gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh the glaze. Stir well before serving to redistribute the sauce and ensure everything is evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works beautifully here. Just thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before adding to the pan, so your stir-fry stays crisp rather than watery.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos), and double-check that your other condiments are gluten-free too. The rest of the recipe is naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients.
What other proteins work well in this stir-fry?
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef — both absorb the honey garlic sauce wonderfully. You could even try crumbled tofu for a vegetarian spin; just press it first to remove excess moisture.
How do I add more vegetables?
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry loves extra veggies! Try tossing in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just add them after the garlic so they stay crisp and fresh.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, this stir-fry is more sweet and savory than spicy. However, if you like heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is destined to become a regular on your table — it’s simple, quick, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give this scrumptious stir-fry a try and watch dinnertime happiness take off!
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. The savory and sweet flavors of the honey garlic sauce pair perfectly with the tender beef and crisp broccoli, all served over a bed of steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- sesame seeds for garnish
- cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic and Broccoli: Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain well before adding.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Ground turkey or chicken also works well in place of beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
