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Quick Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Over Rice | 20-Minute Meal

This Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a 20-minute weeknight wonder! It combines tender ground beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce for a meal that's both healthy and satisfying. Quick, flavorful, and family-approved, it's perfect for busy nights when you want delicious food fast.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 403
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 blend
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 3 cups broccoli florets bite-sized
  • 1 cup honey garlic sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
Optional & Smart Substitutions:
  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb option
  • Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for gluten-free needs
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers mushrooms, or snap peas for more nutrition

Method
 

  1. Create the Aromatic Base: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned with slightly crispy edges. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli florets and cook 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add a tablespoon of water and cover for 1–2 minutes to steam if desired.
  4. Honey Garlic Transformation: Pour honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well and simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and evenly coated.
  5. Serve & Garnish: Spoon mixture over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions.

Notes

Avoid overcooking broccoli to preserve crunch and color. Use a large skillet to prevent steaming the beef. Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld beautifully.