Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli – A Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry

A weeknight staple in our household is Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. This dish became a family favorite during busy evenings when I craved something quick, nutritious, and delicious. Picture this: you arrive home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. What do you do? You whip up this delightful stir-fry that satisfies hunger without compromising flavor.

This recipe shines with minimal ingredients yet offers maximum taste. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while crisp broccoli florets balance the dish with their vibrant color and nutrition. The honey garlic sauce envelops everything in a savory-sweet coating, creating a memorable meal that brings everyone to the dinner table.

Every time I prepare this honey garlic ground beef and broccoli, the aroma fills the kitchen, wrapping us in a warm, inviting hug. It reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone enjoys a simple, hearty meal together. This dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary!

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli: Fundamentals

Creating the perfect Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli begins with understanding its fundamental components. This dish relies on fresh, quality ingredients that come together seamlessly. The key players include lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and the aromatic blend of onion and garlic.

Understanding how these ingredients work together elevates the overall taste. Ground beef should be lean to keep the dish light. Broccoli adds crunch and essential nutrients, making it not only delicious but also healthy. The onion and garlic caramelize beautifully, contributing to the dish’s overall savory profile.

Preparation/Setup

Effective setup simplifies the cooking process and enhances efficiency. Begin by gathering your ingredients: fresh broccoli florets, lean ground beef, a small diced onion, minced garlic, and olive oil. Organizing these items on your counter can make cooking smoother.

Prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance by whisking together low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. This sauce will bring everything together and coat the beef and broccoli perfectly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli dish:

• For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• For Serving (Optional):

  • 2 cups cooked rice or noodles
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to create the honey garlic sauce. Set this aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about two minutes until it becomes translucent.
3. Next, add the lean ground beef to the pan. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This shouldn’t take more than five minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.
5. Add the broccoli florets along with ¼ cup of water. Cover the pan and steam for three to four minutes until the broccoli becomes tender yet still crisp.
6. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan, allowing it to simmer for about two minutes. This will help infuse rich flavors into the beef and broccoli.
7. Finally, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring it in until the sauce thickens.
8. Remove the pan from heat, and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion slices for an extra touch.

Perfecting Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Now that you have the basics down, let’s focus on perfecting your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. It’s all about technique and fine-tuning your kitchen skills.

Technique

Mastering stir-frying techniques enhances your cooking process. Use a high heat setting to achieve that savory, caramelized texture on the beef and vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.

Choosing the right pan also matters. A large skillet or wok offers the best surface area for even cooking and browning. Ensure your oil is hot before adding ingredients to achieve ideal searing.

Tips/Tricks

Maintaining fresh flavors is crucial. Use fresh broccoli rather than frozen for better texture and taste. Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should remain bright green and crisp for the best presentation and flavor.

For those fiery flavor lovers, the optional red pepper flakes ramp up the heat and provide an exciting kick. Adjust this seasoning based on your preference.

Variations and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in the kitchen. Address any issues with your stir-fry for ideal results.

Perfecting Results

To consistently achieve excellent results, ensure your ground beef is evenly cooked. Look for a rich brown color to indicate doneness. Also, make sure your sauce is well-combined so every bite has that delicious honey garlic flavor.

If your sauce appears too runny, allow it to simmer longer until it reaches your desired thickness. Conversely, if it thickens too quickly, add a touch of water to reach the right consistency.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If broccoli isn’t a favorite in your household, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables such as snap peas or bell peppers. These alternatives provide a different taste and texture while remaining vibrant and healthy.

Also, consider adding proteins like chicken or shrimp for a unique twist. Each adjustment also tailors the dish to diverse preferences.

Serving and Pairing Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

Presentation can elevate your culinary experience. A well-served plate entices guests and family alike.

Serving and Presentation

When serving, place the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli atop a bed of rice or noodles. This not only enhances the visual appeal but ensures a satisfying meal. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for added flavor.

Garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds aesthetic value and an extra layer of flavor.

Pairings and Storage

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli pairs seamlessly with various sides. Fresh salads or steamed vegetables balance the hearty flavors of the stir-fry effectively. Keep it simple and let the vibrant flavors of the dish shine.

Storage is straightforward. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days for optimal freshness. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving again.

Finishing up the cooking process transforms basic ingredients into a delicious experience everyone will love. Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli can turn any dinnertime into a delightful gathering, demonstrating the magic of home cooking.

Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Beef

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Description

A quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring lean ground beef, fresh broccoli, and a delicious honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about two minutes until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, around five minutes. Break apart with a spatula.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional thirty seconds.
5. Add the broccoli florets along with ¼ cup of water. Cover and steam for three to four minutes until broccoli is tender but still crisp.
6. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and let it simmer for about two minutes.
7. Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring in until the sauce thickens.
8. Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onion slices.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: honey garlic, ground beef, broccoli, stir-fry, quick meal