If you’re looking for a savory, quick, and satisfying dinner, this Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe is a must-try! Packed with vibrant veggies and a homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also simple to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a go-to option that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive in and make this teriyaki dish a weeknight staple!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s quick to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and is highly customizable. The teriyaki sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, while the ground beef provides a hearty protein base that pairs beautifully with vegetables like broccoli and carrots. Plus, the recipe is versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Teriyaki

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with this mouthwatering stir fry:

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

1 cup beef broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
¼ cup soy sauce – Brings that salty, umami flavor essential in teriyaki.
3 tablespoons brown sugar – Provides a hint of sweetness to balance the saltiness.
2 tablespoons honey – Adds natural sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Gives a sharp, aromatic kick.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced – Adds warmth and spice to the sauce.
2 tablespoons corn starch – Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon orange zest – Brings a citrusy brightness to enhance the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth.
¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Stir Fry Ingredients

2 teaspoons sesame oil – For rich, nutty flavor and perfect stir-frying.
1 lb ground beef – A budget-friendly, protein-packed option for your stir fry.
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) – Adds crunch and nutrition to the dish.
1 cup shredded carrots – For a pop of color and a slight sweetness.
4-5 green onions, chopped – Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
Sea salt to taste – Enhances the flavors in the dish.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok
Whisk
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Begin by whisking together all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, corn starch, orange zest, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F), which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Once the ground beef is cooked, add the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the beef for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, allow it a little extra time to cook through.

4. Combine and Simmer with Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the stir fry. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, your dish is ready to serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the vegetables: You want your vegetables to retain a slight crunch, so don’t leave them on the heat for too long.
Not thickening the sauce properly: Make sure the sauce has time to simmer and thicken. The corn starch will help achieve that glossy finish, but you need to give it time.
Using too high heat for the sauce: Once you’ve added the teriyaki sauce, reduce the heat to low. Cooking it on high heat may cause the sauce to burn or reduce too quickly.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Teriyaki

Swap out the protein: If you’re not in the mood for beef, ground chicken or turkey makes an excellent substitute.
Add extra veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or even zucchini for a more veggie-packed dish.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Adjust the spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, consider adding a bit more.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your Ground Beef Teriyaki over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. You can also serve this dish alongside a fresh salad or a simple miso soup for a light and refreshing side.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat.

For longer storage, you can freeze the teriyaki stir fry. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the stir fry in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as mentioned above.

FAQs About Ground Beef Teriyaki

1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen, and it will cook up just as well. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Ground ginger can work in a pinch. Use about ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to replace the 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger.

3. Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes! This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply portion it out with rice into containers, and you’ll have flavorful lunches or dinners ready to go.

4. Can I make this dish without the sauce thickener?
If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can omit the corn starch. The sauce will still be flavorful, though it won’t cling to the beef and vegetables as much.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights! Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!

Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe