This easy Ground Beef Teriyaki is a quick, flavorful dinner you can make in under 30 minutes. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight meals and meal prep.
This Ground Beef Teriyaki is ideal for meal prep: it reheats well, freezes easily, and delivers a satisfying mix of vegetables, savory beef, and a bright sauce. If you enjoy speedy stir-fries like a ground turkey teriyaki, this beef version is equally simple and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Ground Beef Teriyaki:
- Protein and nutrition: Ground beef brings substantial protein and essential nutrients. Paired with vegetables and rice, this meal provides balance and staying power.
- Fast and simple: Minimal chopping and quick cooking make this a reliable 30-minute dinner. The teriyaki sauce is whisked together and simmered right in the pan—no jarred sauce required.
- Freezer friendly: Portion into freezer-safe containers with rice for easy grab-and-go meals. Thaw overnight or reheat from frozen when needed.
- Big flavor: The homemade sauce pairs beautifully with beef, and a touch of orange zest brightens the dish. Adjust heat with red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Meal Prep Is Key!
Spending a little time early in the week to prepare meals can save time and money while helping you meet nutrition goals. This recipe is a great candidate for batch cooking and portioning.
Recipe Ingredients:
- Sesame oil: preferred for flavor; substitute another neutral oil if needed.
- Ground beef: use your favorite grind (sirloin, chuck, etc.). Lean options work well.
- Broccoli florets: fresh or frozen. Chop smaller for quicker cooking.
- Shredded carrots: pre-shredded saves time and cooks quickly.
- Salt and pepper: add to taste—soy sauce contributes saltiness already.
- Green onions: thinly sliced for garnish and mild onion flavor.
- Beef broth: base for the sauce; you can use another broth or water in a pinch.
- Soy sauce: low-sodium preferred; use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Brown sugar: light or dark, to balance savory flavors.
- Honey: adds depth and sweetness alongside brown sugar.
- Fresh ginger: grated or minced for bright, warm flavor.
- Garlic cloves: minced; use garlic powder only if fresh isn’t available.
- Corn starch: thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Orange zest: optional but highly recommended for brightness.
- Red pepper flakes: optional, adjust to taste for heat.
Traditional teriyaki sometimes includes mirin. This recipe keeps ingredients pantry-friendly, but you may add a splash of mirin or rice vinegar if you like.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Whisk all teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes; drain excess fat if desired.
- Add broccoli, green onions, and carrots and sauté until tender and slightly browned if using fresh.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and stir to coat. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with additional green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Check internal temperature: Ground beef should reach 160°F for safety. A meat thermometer is the most reliable check.
- Want it saucier? Double the sauce ingredients and add gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Extra sauce can be saved for other meals.
Storage:
Cooked leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To freeze, cool completely and place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen.
Ways To Vary This Beef Teriyaki Recipe:
Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Top with avocado, pickled onions, or toasted sesame seeds. Try these variations:
- Swap vegetables: Add snow peas, bell peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, or snap peas.
- Add heat: Increase red pepper flakes, add sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce.
- Lettuce wraps: Serve the stir fry in crisp lettuce leaves instead of rice.
- Change the sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
Other Beef Recipes
Pasta
Ground Beef Stuffed Shells
Dinner
Simple Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Shredded Beef
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Beef Mushroom Stew Recipe
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Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 c beef broth
- ¼ c soy sauce
- 3 T brown sugar
- 2 T honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 T corn starch
- 1 T orange zest
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼-½ tsp red pepper flakes, adjust as desired
For the Stir Fry
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 c broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4-5 green onions, chopped
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
-
Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside. Chop and prepare the vegetables.
-
Heat a large skillet or wok to medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil to the skillet. Add in the ground beef and heat until fully cooked (160°F internal temperature), about 6–8 minutes.
-
Add the broccoli, green onion, and carrots and cook until heated through and tender. Reduce heat to low and stir in the teriyaki sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
-
Serve over rice or as desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer: Ground beef should reach 160°F; color alone can be misleading.
- For extra sauce: Double the sauce ingredients and add gradually until you reach your preferred sauce level.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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