Introduction
Ground Beef Teriyaki is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The dish features tender, seasoned ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, creating a delicious balance of umami and sweetness. This one-pan recipe is incredibly simple, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a hearty, comforting meal.
Pair the ground beef with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal, or use it as a filling for wraps or bowls. Its versatility allows for customization with additional toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a quick dinner or prepping it in advance for lunches, Ground Beef Teriyaki is sure to become a go-to recipe.
With just a few ingredients, this dish brings big flavor in no time, making it a perfect option for anyone looking for a hassle-free yet satisfying meal. Whether served as a standalone main dish or paired with other sides, it’s a delicious meal that will please the whole family.
Perfect for:
- Quick family dinners
- Easy weeknight meals
- Meal prep for the week
- Those craving savory Asian-inspired flavors
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Ground Beef Teriyaki is a must-try:
- Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes!
- Savory & Sweet: The balance of savory soy sauce and sweet teriyaki flavors is irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or serve it over your preferred grain.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup for more deliciousness!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein, healthy fats, fiber
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20 for a juicier texture)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- 1/4 cup water (to dilute the cornstarch slurry if using)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli or vegetables of choice
- Steamed rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: A quick-cooking protein that holds flavor well and absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and ginger that brings an irresistible depth of flavor.
- Garlic & Ginger: Key aromatic ingredients that enhance the umami and add an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cornstarch (if using). Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach the desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve:
- Serve the ground beef teriyaki over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite grain.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or your favorite steamed vegetables (like broccoli or bell peppers) for added flavor and color.
How to Serve
This Ground Beef Teriyaki dish is incredibly versatile:
- Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add sautéed vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to complete the meal.
- For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce cups for a healthier, low-carb alternative.
Additional Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to prevent excess grease in the dish. It will make the meal lighter while still flavorful.
- Add Ginger for Extra Flavor: Fresh ginger adds a warming spice and depth to the teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger as a substitute.
- Balance Sweet and Savory: Teriyaki sauce can be quite sweet. Adjust the sugar or honey in the recipe to balance the flavors to your preference.
- Marinate the Beef: For even more flavor, marinate the ground beef in a small amount of teriyaki sauce before cooking. This can enhance the beef’s natural taste.
- Include Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the dish for more color, texture, and nutritional value.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a more vibrant flavor compared to garlic powder and helps round out the savory elements in the dish.
- Serve Over Rice or Noodles: Ground Beef Teriyaki pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or stir-fried noodles. This helps absorb the sauce and makes for a complete meal.
- Top with Sesame Seeds: Garnish your dish with toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a slight nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki.
- Add a Touch of Sriracha: If you like some heat, stir in a little sriracha or red pepper flakes to give the teriyaki sauce a spicy kick.
- Finish with Green Onions: Fresh chopped green onions or scallions make a great finishing touch, adding brightness and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Ground Beef Teriyaki with Pineapple: Add diced fresh pineapple to the ground beef mixture for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory teriyaki sauce. Serve with rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps: Serve the ground beef teriyaki in crispy lettuce leaves instead of rice for a low-carb option. Add julienned carrots, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir-Fry: Stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, onions, snap peas, and carrots, and then toss in the ground beef teriyaki. Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Bowl: Layer cooked ground beef teriyaki over a bowl of steamed rice, top with sautéed vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Meatballs: Mix ground beef with teriyaki sauce, breadcrumbs, and seasoning, then shape into meatballs and bake or fry. Serve with rice or on skewers for an appetizer.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Tacos: Use ground beef teriyaki as a filling for soft tortillas. Top with fresh slaw, pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian twist on traditional tacos.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki with Zucchini Noodles: Serve ground beef teriyaki over zucchini noodles for a healthier, gluten-free option. Add sliced mushrooms and baby spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki Pizza: Use ground beef teriyaki as a topping for pizza, along with shredded mozzarella, green onions, and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce after baking for an Asian-inspired pizza.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki with Rice Paper Rolls: Wrap the ground beef teriyaki in soaked rice paper along with fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and mint, then serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Ground Beef Teriyaki with Eggplant: Sauté cubes of eggplant along with the ground beef and teriyaki sauce for a savory, hearty dish. The eggplant soaks up the sauce, making it a flavorful addition to the dish.or.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: Allow the beef to cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok: To cook the ground beef and combine the flavors evenly.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work as well, but the flavor may be a bit lighter. Add extra seasonings if needed. - How can I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
You can simmer the sauce longer to reduce it and thicken naturally, or add a little arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. - Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and cook in batches if needed.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Teriyaki is a flavorful, quick, and easy meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight or meal prepping session. The combination of savory ground beef and a sweet, tangy teriyaki sauce creates a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Serve it over rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables to create a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Add in extra veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, or top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for a little extra crunch and flavor. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a tasty, simple meal that comes together in no time.
I can’t wait to hear how your Ground Beef Teriyaki turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram to show off your creation. Enjoy!