Description
This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal that the whole family will adore. Tender ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets are bathed in a luscious, homemade honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a complete and satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe offers a healthy balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a nourishing and delicious choice for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. Unlike many takeout alternatives that are loaded with sodium and unhealthy fats, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. It’s a simple recipe with maximum flavor impact, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire. Plus, it’s easily customizable with different vegetables or protein options if you’re feeling adventurous. Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to this irresistible Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli!
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli for so many reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a complete meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The honey garlic sauce is the star of the show, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and savory flavors that complement both the ground beef and broccoli perfectly.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs and preferences. You can use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, or even add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for extra nutrients and flavor. The recipe is also a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, especially if you have picky eaters in your family.
Furthermore, this dish is a healthier alternative to takeout. By making it at home, you have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to reduce the amount of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. You can also use high-quality, lean ground beef and fresh vegetables to ensure a nutritious and wholesome meal.
Finally, Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is simply delicious. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and the sweet and savory sauce is a match made in heaven. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a quick and satisfying lunch. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 3 cups broccoli florets – chopped small
- 1 cup honey garlic sauce (see recipe below or use store-bought)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups cooked rice – to serve with
Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce Recipe:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Preparation:
step 1: Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the rice according to package directions. This will ensure it’s ready to serve alongside the main dish.
- Mince the garlic cloves. Ensure they are finely minced to release their full flavor and aroma when sautéed.
- Chop the white onion into small pieces. Uniformly chopped onions will cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the dish.
- Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly.
- If making the homemade honey garlic sauce, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water in a separate small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Brown Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Adding the olive oil ensures the garlic and onion don’t stick to the pan and allows their flavors to infuse into the oil.
- Add the olive oil to the heated skillet. Wait a few seconds for the oil to heat up, but avoid letting it smoke.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cooking the ground beef until it’s no longer pink ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents any undesirable flavors.
- Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, if necessary. This step is crucial for reducing the fat content of the dish and preventing a greasy texture.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Cook Until Crisp-Tender:
- Add the chopped broccoli florets to the skillet with the ground beef. Ensure the broccoli is evenly distributed in the skillet to cook uniformly.
- Stir the broccoli into the ground beef mixture. Toss it well to coat the broccoli with the rendered beef flavors and the sautéed garlic and onions.
- Cook the broccoli until it is slightly soft when poked with a fork, about 3-4 minutes. Aim for a “crisp-tender” texture, where the broccoli is tender enough to eat but still retains a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking, as the broccoli can become mushy.
Step 4: Pour in Honey Garlic Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed to coat all the ingredients. If you made the sauce from scratch, stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to the pan.
- Stir everything together to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients. This will help the sauce thicken and adhere to the beef and broccoli.
- If using homemade honey garlic sauce, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Cook the mixture for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and has thickened slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as the sauce can become too sticky or burn.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop the cooked rice into bowls. Fluff the rice with a fork before scooping to ensure it’s light and airy.
- Spoon the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli over the rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as snow peas or carrots, for a more complete meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Tips:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; aim for a crisp-tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To save time, use pre-chopped broccoli florets.
- The honey garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 526kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 837mg
Nutritional Information (with homemade honey garlic sauce and substitutions):
(Note: These are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.)
- Calories: 480-550 kcal (Varies depending on rice type and fat content of beef)
- Protein: 30-35g (Depending on the leaness of the ground beef)
- Fat: 8-12g (Varies depending on beef and oil amounts)
- Saturated Fat: 3-5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 75-85g (Depending on rice type and amount of honey)
- Fiber: 4-6g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Sodium: 600-900mg (Varies significantly with soy sauce brand/type)
- Cholesterol: 70-80mg
- Potassium: 850-950mg
- Vitamin A: 500-700 IU
- Vitamin C: 60-70mg
- Calcium: 80-100mg
- Iron: 3-5mg
Conclusion
The Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is a winning recipe that ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, delicious, and relatively healthy. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table in a flash. The combination of savory ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and the irresistible honey garlic sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different vegetables, protein sources, or sauces to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a delightful and wholesome meal that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative when fresh broccoli isn’t available or in season. Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cooking process. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli can sometimes take a bit longer to cook. To prevent the broccoli from becoming too mushy, consider adding it directly to the skillet without thawing it fully and cooking it covered until it reaches the desired crisp-tender consistency. Remember to drain any excess water after cooking.
Q2: Is there a substitute for honey in the honey garlic sauce?
A: Yes, there are several substitutes for honey if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake or have a honey allergy. Maple syrup is a great option as it provides a similar sweetness and viscosity. You can also use agave nectar, which is sweeter than honey, so you might need to use a bit less. Another alternative is brown sugar, which will add a slightly different, caramel-like flavor to the sauce. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, but be mindful of the taste and adjust the quantity accordingly to achieve the desired sweetness level. Note that some substitutes might alter the overall flavor profile of the sauce slightly.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prepping?
A: Definitely! This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The flavors actually tend to meld together even more over time, making it even tastier the next day. If you’re planning to meal prep, consider storing the rice separately to prevent it from becoming too mushy. You can also cook a larger batch of the honey garlic sauce and store it separately for even quicker meal prep in the future.
Q4: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile and works well with various types of meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef. You can also use diced chicken breast or pork tenderloin for a slightly different texture and flavor. If you’re a fan of seafood, consider using shrimp or scallops for a lighter and quicker cooking option. For a vegetarian version, you could use crumbled tofu or tempeh. Regardless of the meat you choose, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
Q5: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: There are several ways to add a kick of heat to this Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a subtle heat. Another option is to add a dash of sriracha or gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a bolder flavor. You can also include a minced jalapeño or serrano pepper when sautéing the garlic and onion for a fresh and vibrant heat. If you prefer a milder spice, try using a few drops of chili oil or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Remember to start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting the spice level to your preference. You can also serve the dish with a side of chili garlic sauce for those who like to add extra heat to their meal.
