Ground Beef Teriyaki

Introduction

Ground Beef Teriyaki is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that perfectly balances the savory, slightly sweet flavor of teriyaki sauce with the richness of ground beef. I remember the first time I made it for a weeknight dinner—it was such a hit! The aroma of the sauce simmering with the beef filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered around the table eager to dig in.

What’s great about Ground Beef Teriyaki is how versatile it is. You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or even top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions for extra crunch and flavor. Whether you’re serving it to your family or whipping up a meal for yourself, this quick and flavorful dish is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Asian-inspired meals
• Quick family meals
• Stir-fry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Teriyaki

Here’s why Ground Beef Teriyaki will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

• Savory and Sweet: The teriyaki sauce adds a delicious balance of sweetness and saltiness to the ground beef, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you don’t have much time to cook.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, to customize the dish.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein option that pairs wonderfully with the homemade teriyaki sauce for a hearty meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the refrigerator, making it ideal for prepping meals ahead of time for the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 26g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make Ground Beef Teriyaki:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, ground beef provides a rich and hearty base that absorbs all the delicious teriyaki flavors. You can opt for leaner beef if you prefer less fat.
• Soy Sauce: This savory sauce adds a salty umami flavor to the dish. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content without compromising taste.
• Honey and Brown Sugar: Both ingredients add sweetness to the dish, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and giving the sauce a smooth, rich texture.
• Sesame Oil: This oil imparts a nutty flavor that deepens the taste of the teriyaki sauce and adds an extra layer of richness.
• Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring bold, aromatic flavors that elevate the overall dish.
• Cornstarch Slurry: A mixture of cornstarch and water helps thicken the sauce, making it glossy and cling to the beef perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare Ground Beef Teriyaki:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
2. Mix the Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Set aside for later.

Cook the Ground Beef:

3. Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Combine and Simmer:

5. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir continuously. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for acidity.

Serve:

8. Serve Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the Ground Beef Teriyaki over a bed of cooked rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
9. Garnish: Top the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and color.

How to Serve Ground Beef Teriyaki

Ground Beef Teriyaki can be served in several different ways:

• With Rice: The most common and delicious pairing is to serve the beef over steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• With Noodles: For a different twist, serve the beef over stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for an Asian-inspired noodle dish.
• As a Wrap: Wrap the beef in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a lighter option that still provides all the great flavors of teriyaki.
• With Vegetables: Add sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots on the side to balance out the richness of the beef.

Additional Tips for Ground Beef Teriyaki

To ensure your Ground Beef Teriyaki turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Ground Beef: While leaner ground beef works, 80% lean ground beef provides more flavor and moisture for this dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sugar and honey levels to make the sauce sweeter or more savory.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry or reduce the sauce by simmering it longer before adding the cornstarch mixture.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to make the dish more hearty and colorful.
• Rice Alternatives: For a low-carb version, serve the teriyaki beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the ground beef and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations for Ground Beef Teriyaki

Here are 10 variations to customize your Ground Beef Teriyaki:

1. Ground Turkey Teriyaki: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner alternative with a lighter flavor.
2. Vegetarian Teriyaki: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative or tofu crumbles for a vegetarian version.
3. Spicy Teriyaki: Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Pineapple Teriyaki: Stir in pineapple chunks to the beef and sauce for a sweet and tangy addition.
5. Mushroom Teriyaki: Add sliced mushrooms to the beef for a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
6. Beef and Vegetable Teriyaki: Incorporate mixed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas for added crunch and color.
7. Ginger-Sesame Teriyaki: Increase the amount of fresh ginger and drizzle extra sesame oil for a stronger ginger-sesame flavor.
8. Bulgur Wheat Teriyaki: Serve the beef over bulgur wheat or quinoa for a hearty, fiber-packed base.
9. Hoisin Teriyaki: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the teriyaki sauce for a richer, slightly sweet, and tangy twist.
10. Crispy Beef Teriyaki: After cooking the beef, let it crisp up in a hot skillet for a crunchy texture before adding the sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Ground Beef Teriyaki

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked ground beef and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Ground Beef Teriyaki

Here’s some equipment that might help you prepare Ground Beef Teriyaki:

• Non-stick Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is perfect for browning the beef and stir-frying the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurements of the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
• Small Bowls: To prepare the cornstarch slurry and mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Ground Beef Teriyaki

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat? Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. How do I make this dish spicier? You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce to add heat.
4. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce can be substituted for homemade sauce, but make sure to adjust the sweetness and saltiness based on your taste.
5. Can I use ground beef with a higher fat content? While you can use higher-fat ground beef, keep in mind it will release more fat while cooking. You may want to drain some of the excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Teriyaki is the ultimate quick and tasty meal, perfect for busy nights when you crave something comforting yet simple to prepare. The savory-sweet teriyaki sauce enhances the dish, adding depth and flavor, while the ground beef ensures a hearty, satisfying meal.

This dish is incredibly versatile—whether served over steamed rice, tossed with noodles, or wrapped in fresh lettuce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or even topping it with sesame seeds or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Ground Beef Teriyaki is a fantastic way to bring a delicious, Asian-inspired meal to the table without the need for complicated ingredients or techniques. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and the whole family will love it.

I’d love to see how your Ground Beef Teriyaki turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!