Ground beef and broccoli is a weeknight dinner hero that comes together in just 20 minutes. This honey garlic ground beef dish solves the common problem of needing beef based dinners that don’t require hours of prep time or fancy ingredients.
I discovered this recipe on a busy Tuesday evening when I needed something fast. My pantry had ground beef, and my fridge had broccoli that needed using. What started as a desperation meal became our family’s most-requested dinner.
This is one of those dinner recipes without chicken that even picky eaters love. The sweet honey garlic sauce coats tender beef and crisp broccoli perfectly. You get restaurant-quality flavor using ingredients you probably already have.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef and Broccoli
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnishes
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Extra red pepper flakes
This honey garlic beef and broccoli recipe uses simple ingredients. No exotic sauces or hard-to-find items. Just real food that creates amazing flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Having everything ready before cooking makes this ground beef broccoli dish come together smoothly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Push beef to the sides of the pan. Add olive oil to the center. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Watch carefully. Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the pan. Stir everything together. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp.
This ground beef and broccoli stir fry works best when vegetables stay slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Give your sauce mixture a quick stir (cornstarch settles). Pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. The mixture should bubble gently.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Results
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is small, cook the beef in batches. Crowding creates steam instead of browning.
Use fresh broccoli. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh broccoli gives better texture. Thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before using.
Control the heat. Medium-high heat is key. Too low and everything steams. Too high and garlic burns.
Prep ahead. This healthy beef and broccoli meal prep works great. Store sauce separately and combine when reheating.
Tasty Variations
Teriyaki beef and broccoli: Replace honey garlic sauce with 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Spicy honey beef stir fry: Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.
Extra veggies: Turn this into complete ground beef and veggies by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Different proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Low-carb option: Skip the cornstarch and reduce honey to 1 tablespoon. The sauce will be thinner but still delicious.
Make It Your Own
Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for tang. Try different vegetables based on what you have. This beef and broccoli base recipe is very forgiving.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
Serve this ground beef and vegetable recipes masterpiece over:
• Steamed white rice: The traditional choice that soaks up the sauce perfectly
• Brown rice: Adds nutty flavor and extra fiber
• Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb, veggie-packed option
• Rice noodles: Creates a complete stir fry experience
• Quinoa: Adds protein and makes the meal more filling
Complete the Meal
This best beef and broccoli recipe pairs wonderfully with:
• Simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Steamed edamame with sea salt
• Miso soup
• Asian slaw with sesame dressing
Leftover Magic
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything marinates together.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. Microwave works too, but the skillet keeps better texture.
Use leftovers in:
• Fried rice
• Stuffed bell peppers
• Lettuce wraps
• Grain bowls
• Egg rolls
Conclusion
This ground beef and broccoli recipe proves that quick dinners don’t have to be boring. In 20 minutes, you create a restaurant-quality meal that costs a fraction of takeout prices.
The honey garlic sauce brings everything together with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ground beef stays tender and flavorful. Broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition.
This dish works for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or any time you need dinner fast. Kids love it. Adults appreciate how simple it is. Everyone wins.
Try this recipe tonight. Your family will thank you, and you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly in broccoli and ground beef recipes. Use 93/7 lean ground turkey and add an extra tablespoon of oil since it’s leaner. The cooking time stays the same.
How do I keep broccoli from getting mushy?
Cut florets uniformly so they cook evenly. Don’t overcook them. Three to four minutes is enough. The broccoli should be bright green and still have a slight crunch.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. This is one of the best ground beef and vegetable recipes for meal prep. Cook everything, let it cool, and divide into containers. Store sauce separately if possible. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the broccoli.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger instead. Add it with the garlic. Fresh ginger tastes better, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but broccoli texture suffers slightly when frozen. If freezing, slightly undercook the broccoli. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the pan and cook for another minute. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add broccoli florets and the prepared sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cover and simmer for about 5–6 minutes, until broccoli is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as needed.
- Serve warm over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 342 kcalTotal Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 24g
