Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Ground beef teriyaki is a weeknight dinner staple that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. This recipe takes the classic Japanese-inspired teriyaki sauce and pairs it with lean ground beef for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Teriyaki sauce is beloved for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, and when combined with ground beef, it creates a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.
The best part? This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want to get a delicious meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this ground beef teriyaki recipe apart is its unbeatable combination of flavor and convenience. The tender, flavorful beef is a perfect canvas for the bold teriyaki sauce, which caramelizes and coats each bite. The textural contrast between the soft, saucy beef and the optional crunchy vegetables or toppings makes every mouthful a delight.
Beyond its exceptional taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of fresh veggies, from stir-fried broccoli to sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. And the best part? You can easily make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Ground Beef Teriyaki ❓
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
The beauty of this ground beef teriyaki recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet teriyaki sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates the classic Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made teriyaki dishes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Step 5: Serve the ground beef teriyaki over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional teriyaki dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this ground beef teriyaki recipe saves you 35% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 832mg
These ground beef teriyaki bowls provide approximately 32% of your daily protein requirements and 25% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the rice or noodles for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free teriyaki sauce or make your own homemade version.
• Added protein: Serve the ground beef teriyaki over a bed of cooked quinoa or lentils for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the ground beef teriyaki.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots.
• For a casual gathering, serve the ground beef teriyaki on a platter with steamed edamame, sliced cucumbers, and toasted sesame seeds.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not adjusting the sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thin, make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in to thicken it up. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
• Forgetting the sesame oil: The sesame oil adds a lovely nutty flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These ground beef teriyaki bowls retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the ground beef mixture, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked ground beef teriyaki to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the ground beef teriyaki in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, checking and stirring it every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the ground beef teriyaki ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the ground beef teriyaki in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even diced tofu. The cooking method and sauce would remain the same, and the flavor profile would still be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the protein you’re using.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb or keto diets?
To make this ground beef teriyaki recipe more low-carb friendly, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional white or brown rice. You can also look for low-carb or sugar-free teriyaki sauce options to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
What if the sauce is too thin or too thick?
If the sauce seems too thin, simply make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the skillet and let it simmer until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This ground beef teriyaki recipe is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables. Some great options include broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the ground beef and sauce.
Conclusion
These ground beef teriyaki bowls represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their tender, saucy beef and bold teriyaki flavor. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this ground beef teriyaki demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try and experience the joy of a flavorful, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash?
Print
Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 2: Add the teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Step 5: Serve the ground beef teriyaki over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 338
- Sodium: 832mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
Keywords: Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
