Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

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When weeknights call for something fast, flavorful, and family-friendly, this Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry hits all the right notes. It comes together in under 30 minutes, delivers serious takeout-style flavor, and keeps cleanup to a minimum. The sweet-savory garlic sauce clings to tender beef crumbles and crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying meal served best over a warm bowl of rice or noodles.

The beauty of this dish is its balance. The honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty soy and fragrant garlic. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a dinner solution in a pinch, this stir-fry is sure to make the regular rotation.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Lean ground beef (around 85% lean) is a great choice for this stir-fry. It gives enough fat for flavor without becoming greasy. If you prefer leaner options, you can drain any excess fat after browning. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Ingredients for the Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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How To Make the Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Broccoli

Push the beef to one side and add sesame oil to the empty space. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli and stir everything together. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and broccoli. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 4: Optional Thickening

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

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How to Serve and Store This Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is best served immediately over freshly steamed white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or lo mein-style noodles. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or stir-fried cabbage.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the skillet and cook a bit longer until it’s heated through and tender.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can use more soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar or peanut butter to mimic hoisin’s rich flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and checking your hoisin and rice vinegar labels.

How do I add spice?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Can I meal prep this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Store pre-cooked rice and beef mixture separately for easy grab-and-heat lunches all week.

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Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, check out these other hearty favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with bold flavor and minimal prep.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for a crowd-pleasing comfort dish.
• Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole if you’re craving something rich and satisfying.
• Shipwreck Dinner for a nostalgic one-pan wonder.
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo with a bold Southern twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you try a different veggie combo or go all-in with spice? Your tweaks might just inspire someone else.

I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own. And if you’re looking for more daily inspiration, check out my Pinterest board: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

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