Teriyaki Ground Beef is a quick and tasty meal you can make at home. It mixes ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce that tastes great. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for busy nights. With fresh vegetables added, it makes a healthy and filling dinner for your family.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Ground Beef Recipe
There’s something special about this recipe that makes it stand out from typical beef dishes. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, which fits perfectly into your busy schedule. The mix of fresh vegetables adds texture and color, while the homemade teriyaki sauce delivers a sweet and savory punch that feels homemade yet effortless. It’s versatile too—you can easily swap vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking. The ground beef cooks quickly and stays juicy, making the whole meal deeply satisfying. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, giving you options depending on what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect if you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients About Teriyaki Ground Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious meal come together smoothly:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
- For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef Directions
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. If you notice a lot of fat accumulating, carefully spoon out most of it so your dish isn’t greasy. While the beef is cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients—brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, broth, and cornstarch—in a separate bowl.
Once the beef is nicely browned, add the chopped scallions, bell pepper, and matchstick carrots to the skillet. Let them cook for around 3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp. Next, pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
After cooking, taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve the teriyaki ground beef hot over steamed rice or your choice of noodles. For extra flair, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or more scallions on top—though this is optional. This simple yet flavorful method makes a balanced meal in under half an hour.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef
Serving this teriyaki ground beef over a bed of fluffy white rice creates a classic and comforting meal. You can also try it over brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. Alternatively, serving it alongside cooked noodles works well if you prefer a different texture. To add freshness, pair the dish with steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli, or toss in some shredded cabbage for crunch.
For extra garnishes, chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds add nice flavor and appearance. You might also enjoy a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime for a little heat and brightness. This recipe fits well into a casual family dinner or even meal prep for busy days ahead. It’s easy to portion out and reheat without losing flavor or texture.
Expert Tips: Teriyaki Ground Beef
To get the best texture in your dish, use lean ground beef. It browns well and doesn’t leave too much fat behind, helping keep the sauce from becoming greasy. When cooking the beef, don’t rush—breaking it up evenly allows it to cook faster and more uniformly.
When mixing the sauce, whisk thoroughly to dissolve the brown sugar and cornstarch completely; this prevents lumps and ensures the sauce thickens smoothly. Mirin is essential for authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a bit of sugar and extra broth.
Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick, and using frozen ginger makes grating easier if fresh isn’t available. Adding the vegetables just before pouring the sauce ensures they stay tender but crisp, maintaining a pleasant texture. Finally, adjust the salt and pepper at the end after tasting to balance flavors perfectly.
Variation of Teriyaki Ground Beef
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap the red bell pepper and carrots for other vegetables such as snap peas, broccoli florets, or mushrooms. These changes give the dish new textures and flavors without changing the basic cooking process.
For a different protein twist, try ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. These meats will also soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully, but provide a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian version, crumbled tofu or cooked lentils can stand in for the meat and absorb the flavors well.
To add extra heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mix. For a sweeter touch, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Experimenting with these variations keeps the recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Ground Beef
What is teriyaki sauce made of in this recipe?
The teriyaki sauce combines brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Together, these ingredients create a balanced sweet, salty, and tangy sauce that thickens nicely to coat the beef and vegetables.
Can I use other types of meat for this dish?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. The cooking method stays the same, and the sauce flavors work well with these meats.
How long does it take to cook this teriyaki ground beef?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time.
What can I serve with teriyaki ground beef?
Serve it over rice or noodles, and consider adding steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
Is mirin necessary, or can I leave it out?
Mirin adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a bit of sugar and extra broth. However, the flavor won’t be quite the same without it.
Teriyaki Ground Beef
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar for the sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- While the beef cooks, whisk together brown sugar, ginger, garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, broth, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat if necessary. Add scallions, bell pepper, and carrots to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds or scallions if desired.