Name: Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/3 cup water; 4 cups cooked rice; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

A comforting skillet meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate weeknight hero. Tender ground beef is simmered in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce, tossed with vibrant broccoli, and spooned generously over fluffy rice. This dish brings the bold flavor of takeout with all the ease of a one-pan home-cooked meal.

What makes this dish irresistible is its balance of sweet, salty, and umami. The honey adds a warm depth that plays perfectly with the garlic and soy sauce, while the broccoli offers crunch and freshness to contrast the rich beef. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser the whole family will devour.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For best results, choose lean ground beef—94% lean or higher. Leaner beef will help the sauce cling better without too much grease, creating that luscious glaze you want without making the dish oily. If you use a fattier cut, consider draining some of the excess fat after browning.

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef: The star protein in this dish, ground beef absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds richness to every bite.

Broccoli Florets: Adds freshness, crunch, and color. Plus, broccoli pairs incredibly well with savory-sweet flavors.

Soy Sauce: The salty umami base of the sauce—essential for that takeout-style taste.

Honey: A natural sweetener that gives the glaze its signature sticky-sweet shine.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings bold, aromatic depth.

Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and brightness to balance the sweetness.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency that clings to the meat and veggies.

Water: Used to loosen the sauce and help cook the broccoli to crisp-tender.

Cooked Rice: Perfect for serving as the base, soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Green Onions (optional): For a fresh bite and a pop of color when serving.

How To Make the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Continue browning until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain most of it off, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets into the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the broccoli steam for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. If you like it softer, cook a bit longer.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Give everything a final stir and spoon the saucy beef and broccoli over bowls of warm cooked rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

This dish is best served fresh over hot, steamed rice—white, brown, or jasmine all work beautifully. Want to switch things up? Spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or tuck it into lettuce cups for a crunchy, hand-held twist.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cook times and season to taste.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid watering down the sauce. Add it in the same step as fresh broccoli, but reduce the steam time slightly.

How do I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when adding the garlic and ginger. You can also top the finished dish with chili oil for an extra kick.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet or cook in batches if needed. Double all the ingredients and extend the cooking times slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Will this freeze well?

It freezes surprisingly well. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Want More Easy Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli, here are more quick and flavor-packed dishes to try next:

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef for a rich, comforting pasta meal.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes if you’re craving something tender and hands-off.
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef brings that Cajun twist to your weeknight rotation.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a saucy and spicy skillet dinner.
Keto Hamburger and Broccoli Skillet if you’re watching carbs but not flavor.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s right there when you need a quick weeknight hero.

Have you made this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli yet? Let me know in the comments how you served it—classic with rice, wrapped in lettuce, or even over noodles?

You can follow my latest recipe updates and daily food inspiration on my Pinterest here: Life with Jam on Pinterest

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe brings all the savory-sweet takeout vibes to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a sticky garlic-honey glaze come together over fluffy rice—easy enough for weeknights, delicious enough for seconds.

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.

2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef. Let it bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes.

4. Add broccoli florets, stir to combine, then cover and steam for 4–5 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.

5. Serve the beef and broccoli mixture over hot cooked rice. Top with chopped green onions if desired.