Looking for a dinner that's ready before anyone can ask what's for dinner? My ground beef teriyaki is your answer. I created this recipe during a particularly busy week and it's become our favorite 30-minute meal. The beef gets all saucy and caramelized while fresh veggies add color and crunch. The best part? That homemade teriyaki sauce that makes everything taste amazing.
What Makes This Recipe Special
I love how this dish packs so much flavor into so little time. The homemade sauce transforms simple ground beef into something truly crave worthy. Plus it's so versatile you can serve it over rice in lettuce wraps or meal prep it for the week ahead.
Everything You Need
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds that wonderful nutty flavor.
- Ground Beef: I like using lean beef it stays juicy without being greasy.
- Broccoli: Fresh florets are best but frozen works in a pinch.
- Carrots: The pre shredded ones are such a time saver.
- Green Onions: They add such nice fresh flavor and color.
- Beef Broth: Makes the sauce rich and savory.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium lets you control the salt better.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: Creates that perfect sweet balance.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds such bright zippy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced makes all the difference.
- Corn Starch: Helps the sauce get nice and thick.
- Orange Zest: My secret ingredient adds brightness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but adds nice warmth.
Let's Cook
- Step 1: Mix Your Sauce
- First thing I do is mix up that gorgeous sauce all the soy brown sugar honey ginger garlic and other goodies go in a bowl. The cornstarch helps it thicken up beautifully later.
- Step 2: Cook Your Beef
- Get your pan nice and hot with that fragrant sesame oil. Brown the beef breaking it up as it cooks until it's all crumbly and done.
- Step 3: Add Some Color
- Toss in those bright veggies broccoli carrots and green onions. Let them get just tender but still keep their crunch.
- Step 4: Sauce Magic
- Pour that sauce all over everything and watch it bubble and thicken. Keep stirring until every bite is coated in that glossy sauce.
- Step 5: Time to Eat
- Serve it up however you like over rice in lettuce wraps it all works. Don't forget extra green onions on top.
Mix It Up
- Veggie Options: Sometimes I throw in snow peas or peppers whatever's in the fridge.
- Spice it Up: A squirt of sriracha makes it deliciously zippy.
- Switch the Sweet: Maple syrup works beautifully instead of honey.
- Try New Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken makes it lighter.
- Go Low Carb: Butter lettuce leaves make perfect wraps.
Keep It Fresh
- Fridge Storage: Keeps beautifully for 4 days perfect for meal prep.
- Freezer Friend: Freezes well for up to 3 months just thaw overnight.
- Warming Up: A splash of broth when reheating keeps everything saucy.
My Best Tips
- Fresh is Best: Real ginger and garlic make such a difference.
- Perfect Sauce: Look for that spoon coating thickness.
- Safety First: Make sure that beef is fully cooked through.
- Heat to Taste: Start mild with the pepper flakes you can always add more.
- Extra Sauce: Sometimes I double it because it's just that good.
Make It a Meal
We love this over fluffy rice but cauliflower rice is great too. Some crispy lettuce wraps make it fun to eat. I usually add a little cucumber salad on the side for freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and squeeze of lime make everything pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Don't rely on color alone as it's not always a reliable indicator of doneness.
- → Can I make the teriyaki sauce more abundant?
- Yes, you can double the sauce ingredients for a saucier dish. Add the sauce gradually until you reach your desired level, and save any extra for future recipes.
- → How long do leftovers last?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables?
- Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just cook until heated through and tender, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- → Can I meal prep this recipe?
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make it early in the week and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals on busy weeknights.