Go Back

Honey Garlic Ground Beef & Broccoli: An Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef I usually go for lean ground beef to keep it a bit healthier, but any ground meat works!
  • 1 head of broccoli or about 4 cups of florets
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (fresh garlic is a must here—trust me!)
  • 2 tbsp honey you can use maple syrup if you want to change it up!
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce for that perfect salty balance
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar it adds a nice tang
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the beef
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, but it adds a little kick!
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prep the broccoli: Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you want to make things even easier, you can use pre-cut broccoli from the store. Either way, steam or blanch the broccoli until it's tender but still a little crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Set it aside.Pro Tip: If you have a steamer basket, it’s the best way to keep that crisp texture in the broccoli. Just pop it in the steamer for about 5 minutes, and you’re good to go!
  • Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it's nice and browned. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper!Personal Note: I always make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef after it's cooked, especially if you're using regular ground beef. This way, you won’t end up with greasy sauce, and the flavor will stay nice and balanced.
  • Make the sauce: While the beef is cooking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). This is your delicious honey garlic sauce that’s going to bring everything together.Quick Tip: Make sure to taste the sauce before you pour it into the pan. If you like things a little sweeter, add a bit more honey. If you want a little more acidity, just a splash more vinegar will do the trick. It’s all about balancing flavors!
  • Combine beef, broccoli, and sauce: Once the beef is browned, toss the cooked broccoli into the pan. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the top and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to make sure the sauce thickens slightly and everything gets nicely coated in that yummy sauce.Tip from my kitchen: If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, just add a little splash of water or beef broth to thin it out. It’s that easy!
  • Serve and enjoy: That’s it! You’re done. Serve it hot and enjoy a tasty, balanced meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.A Little Extra: If you want to serve it up in style, top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions. It makes it look extra pretty and adds just a little extra flavor.