Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of tender ground beef, glossy honey-garlic sauce, and bright green broccoli nestled over soft, steamy rice. This dish is fast, fragrant, and deeply satisfying—built for weeknights when you want something homemade without a long list of steps.
The aroma alone is irresistible: sweet honey caramelizing around savory beef, garlic sizzling in the pan, soy sauce bubbling into a sticky glaze. Every bite hits that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami, with broccoli adding crunch and color.
It’s a family-friendly recipe, great for meal prep, and ideal when you need a 20–25 minute dinner that tastes like you put in much more effort. Each serving typically sits in the 450–550 calorie range, depending on rice portion and sauce adjustments.
Key Ingredients
A quick overview of what makes this dish shine:
Ground Beef – Rich, hearty protein that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Fresh Broccoli – Adds crunch, color, and freshness to balance the sweet-savory sauce.
Honey – Provides natural sweetness and allows the sauce to become glossy and sticky.
Garlic – The aromatic backbone of the dish; brings warmth and depth.
Soy Sauce – Adds savory, salty richness and classic stir-fry flavor.
Rice Vinegar – Gives brightness and cuts through the sweetness.
Sesame Oil – Nutty aroma that elevates the dish like a restaurant stir-fry.
Ginger (fresh or ground) – Adds a warm, zesty kick.
Crushed Red Pepper – Optional heat for balance.
Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce to cling to every bite.
Cooked White or Jasmine Rice – Soft, fluffy base that soaks up the sauce.
Green Onions – Fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and lift.
Sesame Seeds – Nutty finishing touch.
Chicken or Beef Broth – Lightens and stretches the sauce without diluting flavor.
Olive Oil or Neutral Oil – For browning the beef without burning the aromatics.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Prepare the Rice
Cook 2–3 cups of white or jasmine rice according to package instructions.
Fluff and keep warm.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking 30–45 seconds until fragrant (don’t let them burn).
3. Brown the Ground Beef
- Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet.
- Break it apart and cook 5–7 minutes until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Steam the Broccoli
- Add 3–4 cups broccoli florets directly to the skillet.
- Pour in ¼ cup broth.
- Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender with crisp edges.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
Pour over the beef and broccoli.
6. Simmer and Thicken
Cook on medium heat 2–3 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and coats everything.
Look for a glossy finish and slightly sticky texture.
7. Assemble the Bowls
Spoon warm rice into bowls, top generously with the honey-garlic beef and broccoli, and finish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
- Family-Style Platter – Serve rice on a large platter and spoon the beef and broccoli over the top for an easy shareable meal.
- Individual Rice Bowls – Perfect for portion control and clean presentation.
- Meal-Prep Boxes – Divide rice and beef into containers for 3–4 days of ready lunches.
- Build-Your-Own Bar – Offer toppings like chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, sliced cucumbers, pickled onions, or shredded carrots.
- Low-Carb Version – Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens.
Storage + Meal Prep
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze:
The beef + sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
(Freeze rice separately for best texture.)
Reheat:
Microwave or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to re-loosen the sauce.
Refresh:
Add fresh green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, or extra chili flakes to wake up the flavors.
Conclusion
This Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli with Rice is the kind of meal that wins over everyone—kids, busy adults, meal-prep lovers, and flavor-chasing home cooks. It’s fast, vibrant, and full of comfort, yet still fresh and balanced.
Once you try it, feel free to experiment with vegetables, swap proteins, or punch up the heat. Cooking should be fun, flexible, and delicious—and this recipe is the perfect place to start. Share your variations and let the joy of weeknight cooking shine!
