Print

Quick Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Rice Recipe 20-Minute Easy Dinner

quick honey garlic ground beef and rice - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy honey garlic ground beef and rice dish with a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers comforting flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 3 cups (about 600g) cooked white rice (day-old or freshly cooked)
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons (42g) honey
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: If you don’t have pre-cooked rice, rinse 1 cup (185g) uncooked white rice under cold water until clear, then cook according to package instructions (about 15 minutes). Fluff and set aside.
  2. Prepare your ingredients: Mince garlic, slice green onions, and measure honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
  3. Brown the ground beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add garlic and cook: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Make the sauce: Pour in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Reduce heat if needed to prevent burning.
  6. Combine with rice: Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly to mix with the honey garlic beef. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use day-old rice for better texture. Keep garlic finely minced to avoid overpowering bites. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for best glaze. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper caramelization. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version. Maple syrup can replace honey if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, honey garlic, ground beef, easy recipe, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/quick-honey-garlic-ground-beef-and-rice-recipe-20-minute-easy-dinner/