This tasty dish combines juicy ground beef and tender broccoli with a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. It’s quick, easy, and so delicious that even picky eaters will love it!
Nothing makes my day like a one-pan meal that packs a flavor punch. I whip this up whenever I’m short on time but still want something to impress my taste buds! 😋
Served over rice or noodles, this dish is a family favorite at my house. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make—who doesn’t love that kind of magic in the kitchen?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey or chicken work well too. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and nutrition. Frozen broccoli is a quick alternative that’s just as tasty; just don’t overcook it. You could also swap in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Honey: Honey lends sweetness and depth. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can work, though they have different flavors. For a sugar-free option, consider stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Soy Sauce: This is key for savory flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt intake. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a burst of flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic or ground ginger can substitute, though fresh is always best for a punchy taste!
How Can I Get Tender Broccoli in My Dish?
Getting that perfect broccoli texture is essential for your honey garlic beef. You want it tender but still crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Blanch or steam the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green.
- Quickly transfer it to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. This keeps the color vibrant.
If you’re not a fan of blanching, just add the raw broccoli to the skillet after the beef and let it cook for a bit longer, about 5-7 minutes, until it’s cooked to your liking. Just keep an eye on it! Enjoy your cooking!
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. Simple and quick for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by cooking the white rice according to the package instructions. This way, it will be ready to serve when your beef and broccoli are cooked. Usually, this takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep your dish from being too greasy.
3. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, get the broccoli ready. You can steam or blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender. This not only improves the color but also keeps them crunchy.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger (if you’re using it) into the skillet. Sauté for another minute until you can smell the yummy aroma of garlic. It’s going to make your dish so flavorful!
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until it’s smooth. Pour this sweet and savory mixture over the beef in the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
6. Combine with Broccoli:
Add the steamed or blanched broccoli to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is heated through and the sauce thickens just a little.
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the tasty honey garlic ground beef and broccoli over the cooked rice, and feel free to garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. Just remember that it may have a milder flavor, so you might want to season it a bit more with salt and pepper. Cook it in the same way as the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Honey on Hand?
No worries! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, brown sugar can also work—just use slightly less since it’s sweeter than honey. Adjust according to your taste preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, do so on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the beef from drying out. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce for extra moisture if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious boost. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with the broccoli, cooking until they’re tender-crisp.
