Here is a complete recipe for Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli:
** Servings: 4-6**
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb ground beef
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp honey
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped (optional)
* 2 cups broccoli florets
* 1 tsp ground ginger
* 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Chopped green onions, for garnish
* Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
**Optional ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (for a creamy and nutty flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for a fresh and herbal flavor)
* 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (for added earthiness)
* 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (for added crunch and sweetness)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Brown the ground beef:** In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. **Add aromatics:** Add the minced garlic, chopped onion (if using), and ground ginger to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
3. **Add broccoli:** Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they're tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Add honey and soy sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the ground beef and broccoli mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
5. **Add seasonings:** Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. **Simmer and thicken:** Reduce heat to low and simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. **Taste and adjust:** Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. **Serve:** Serve the Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.
**Tips for correct cooking techniques:**
* Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
* Don't overcook the ground beef. It should be cooked through but still juicy.
* Stir-fry the broccoli in batches if necessary, to ensure it's cooked evenly and doesn't become soggy.
* Adjust the amount of soy sauce and honey to taste. You can always add more, but it's harder to remove excess sauce.
* Consider using different types of oil, such as sesame oil or vegetable oil, for added flavor.
* For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or use hot sauce like sriracha.
* For a creamier version, add crunchy peanut butter or sour cream.
**Variations:**
* **Korean-style:** Add 1/4 cup kimchi (spicy Korean fermented cabbage) to the skillet with the ground beef and broccoli.
* **Thai-style:** Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots on top of the dish.
* **Mexican-style:** Add 1/4 cup diced bell peppers and 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco to the skillet with the ground beef and broccoli.
* **Vegetarian version:** Replace the ground beef with cooked brown rice, black beans, or tempeh, and add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli!