Let me tell you, there’s something absolutely magical about the combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, especially when you mix it with tender ground beef and vibrant broccoli. Whenever I whip up my honey garlic ground beef and broccoli, it feels like a cozy hug in a bowl! Just last week, I made this dish for my family, and it disappeared in a flash—my kids couldn’t get enough! They love the way the honey balances the savory flavors, and the broccoli adds just the right crunch. Plus, it’s super quick to make, so I can have dinner on the table in no time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back to it again and again for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients List
To make this mouthwatering honey garlic ground beef and broccoli, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer using lean beef for a healthier option, but you can choose your favorite.
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen works well, just make sure they’re tender enough to soak up the sauce!
- 1/4 cup honey – This is where the magic happens! Adjust to your taste if you love it sweeter.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – Adds that savory depth; I use low-sodium soy sauce to keep it balanced.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – The more garlic, the better, right? It adds so much flavor!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – This helps thicken our sauce to that perfect, luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For cooking the beef and getting everything nice and hot.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Always taste and adjust to your liking!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time!
How to Prepare Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Now, let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful honey garlic ground beef and broccoli! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but be careful not to let it smoke!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and crumbly. Don’t rush this part—browning the beef really enhances the flavor!
- Next, stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn—trust me, burnt garlic is not what we’re going for!
- Now, it’s time to add the 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, it might take a bit longer to heat through, so just be patient!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. This is going to be your sauce!
- Pour that delicious mixture over the beef and broccoli in the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens up and coats everything nicely.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and voilà! Your honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is ready to serve hot!
Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors, and watch it disappear from your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: Whip this up in just 25 minutes!
- Incredibly flavorful: The sweet honey and garlicky beef make every bite irresistible.
- Healthy choice: Packed with protein and fresh broccoli.
- Gluten-free: A delicious option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners: It’s easy enough for a busy evening, yet impressive enough for guests!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your honey garlic ground beef and broccoli turns out perfect every time!
- Adjust the sweetness: If you love a sweeter flavor, don’t hesitate to add a bit more honey. Just taste as you go!
- Fresh vs. frozen broccoli: Fresh broccoli tends to hold up better in the stir-fry, but if you’re short on time, frozen works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it first for even cooking.
- Don’t rush the browning: Take your time cooking the beef until it’s nicely browned—it really enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Thickening the sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it in while stirring.
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition!
With these tips, you’ll be a honey garlic ground beef and broccoli pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional aspects of my honey garlic ground beef and broccoli. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a nutritious punch! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g – perfect for keeping you full and energized!
- Fat: 20g (with 8g saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g – mostly from that delightful honey!
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and amounts, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or any substitutions you make!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones I hear about making honey garlic ground beef and broccoli:
Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots to mix things up. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I store leftovers? If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through.
Can this be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop up the broccoli and mince the garlic, then store them in the fridge. You can even cook the beef and store it separately; just mix everything together when you’re ready to eat. It makes for an easy weeknight meal!
What if I want it spicier? If you like a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. It’s a great way to amp up the flavor!
These tips should help you feel confident tackling this delicious dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your honey garlic ground beef and broccoli is super easy, and it tastes great even as leftovers! Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week!
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using a skillet on the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Just add a splash of water or broth to help steam the broccoli back to life while warming. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my honey garlic ground beef and broccoli, there are plenty of tasty options to complement this dish! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice too! You could also pair it with a simple side salad for some freshness, or even crispy egg rolls for that perfect crunch. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
For more delicious recipes, check out this healthy cheesecake recipe or this peanut butter brownie cheesecake!
Print
Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish combining honey garlic ground beef with broccoli.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and cook until tender.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- Pour the mixture over the beef and broccoli.
- Cook until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust honey for sweetness.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: honey garlic ground beef and broccoli