Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

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If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like takeout but is even better homemade, this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is your go-to. Packed with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, it comes together quickly and leaves you with only one skillet to wash. That’s a total win in my book.

The rich umami from the soy sauce blends beautifully with the honey and garlic, soaking into every crumble of ground beef while the broccoli stays crisp-tender. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a meal that feels indulgent but is secretly so simple.

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

This dish is one of those comforting meals that tastes like it took hours but is on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prepping, great for picky eaters, and has a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients and turns them into something that hits all the right flavor notes.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

A lean ground beef like 85/15 works perfectly here. You want enough fat for flavor, but not so much that it makes the dish greasy. If you’re using a fattier cut, just drain off the excess after browning the meat. And if you’re looking to make it lighter, ground turkey or chicken will still work beautifully with the honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

The ingredients in this recipe are basic but full of purpose. Every item plays a role in building that irresistible sweet-savory depth.

• Ground beef
• Broccoli florets
• Garlic cloves
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Green onions (optional for garnish)

Each of these ingredients creates layers of flavor. The honey provides sweetness that balances the savory soy, garlic gives the dish its punch, and rice vinegar cuts through the richness. Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to every bite.

How To Make the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break it apart as it cooks, and once done, drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli

Toss in the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender. Stir often to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and broccoli. Let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and glazes everything nicely.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions if you like, and serve over hot steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce cups.

How to Serve and Store Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

This recipe easily feeds four people and can be doubled if you’re meal prepping for the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

For freezing, keep the cooked beef and broccoli separate from rice or noodles. It can freeze well for up to two months and makes a fantastic meal to have on hand.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Light and fluffy rice is the perfect base to soak up all the sweet-savory sauce.

Garlic Noodles

Toss some cooked noodles with butter and garlic for a quick, tasty side.

Egg Rolls

For that full takeout experience, add a couple crispy egg rolls on the side.

Cucumber Salad

A refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef dish.

Stir-Fried Snap Peas

Bright and crunchy with a little garlic, they pair beautifully with this main.

Spicy Kimchi

If you love a kick of heat and fermented flavor, kimchi is a bold contrast.

Fried Rice

Toss leftover rice with a scrambled egg and veggies for a fast companion dish.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli, here are a few more meals you might want to try:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
• Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
• Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas
• Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you served yours. Did you try rice or lettuce wraps? Did you sneak in extra veggies?

I love seeing your variations! Questions or tweaks? Pop them below so we can all learn and cook better together.

Explore more weeknight winners and bold flavor combos on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

Honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is a one-pan wonder with crave-worthy flavor. It’s quick, hearty, and flexible enough to serve in all sorts of ways. From weeknight dinners to meal prep lunches, this recipe is the kind of staple that makes life a little tastier with every bite.

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