Have you ever had a weeknight where you wanted dinner to be both effortless and packed with flavor? That’s exactly where Ground Beef Teriyaki shines. This dish brings together juicy ground beef and a sweet‐savory teriyaki glaze that clings to every little crumble, then gets spooned over a bed of steamy white rice. In just about 25 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of cooking—you can have a complete meal on the table that your whole crew will rave about. With beginner‐friendly steps and simple pantry staples, this recipe proves that you don’t need to be a pro to create something restaurant‐worthy in your own kitchen.
From the moment you start browning the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, you’ll see how easy it is to build layers of flavor. The brown sugar melts into the soy sauce and mirin (or rice vinegar), offering that classic teriyaki tang, while a dash of ground ginger and sesame oil adds an inviting warmth. If you’re craving a hint of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes wakes things up just enough. It’s a dinner that’s as versatile as it is delicious: turn it into lettuce wraps, bowl it up with veggies, or even tuck it into a tortilla for a fusion twist. Whether you call it lunch or dinner, this Ground Beef Teriyaki is the kind of recipe you’ll bookmark, print, and return to again and again.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GROUND BEEF TERIYAKI
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get to know the star players that make this dish pop with umami-rich goodness. Each ingredient has its job—from building the savory backbone to adding sweet notes and that perfect glossy finish.
- Ground beef
Provides tender, juicy bites and a hearty protein base. Its natural fats lend richness and carry the teriyaki sauce into every nook and cranny.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral‐flavored oil that helps brown the meat without overpowering the other flavors. It ensures an even, golden‐brown sear.
- Onion
Adds a sweet aromatic depth when sautéed. As it softens, it brings a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory soy.
- Garlic
Delivers a pungent punch and layers of complexity. Minced garlic infuses the beef with its signature fragrant warmth.
- Soy sauce
The salty, savory backbone of the sauce. It brings rich umami and a dark sheen to the teriyaki glaze.
- Brown sugar
Sweetens and caramelizes, creating that sticky teriyaki texture. Its molasses undertones give a deeper flavor than white sugar.
- Mirin or rice vinegar
Mirin introduces a gentle sweetness and tang; rice vinegar lends brightness if you prefer a sharper finish.
- Sesame oil
A dash of this nutty oil at the end elevates the aroma and provides an authentic toasted sesame note.
- Ground ginger
Brings a warm, spicy‐sweet complexity. It brightens the sauce and complements the garlic.
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Optional, but a little heat awakens the palate and balances the sweet‐soy profile.
- Cornstarch slurry
A mixture of cornstarch and cold water that quickly thickens the sauce for that perfect cling factor.
- Green onions
Freshly sliced and sprinkled on top for a pop of color, crunch, and mild oniony bite.
- Sesame seeds
Tiny toasty gems that add texture and a final nutty flourish as a garnish.
- Steamed rice
The ultimate delivery vehicle for the saucy beef—fluffy grains soak up every drop of teriyaki goodness.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF TERIYAKI
Let’s walk through this recipe step by step so you can see just how straightforward it is. With simple techniques and quick transitions, you’ll be plating up a flavorful dinner before you know it.
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. This softens the aromatics and builds a flavorful base.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin or rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Creating this mixture separately ensures everything dissolves evenly.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and onions in the skillet, stirring to combine and coat every crumb with that sweet‐savory blend.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency—just enough to cling and glaze the meat.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with the sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and visual pop.
8. Serve the Ground Beef Teriyaki over steamed rice, and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUND BEEF TERIYAKI
Once your teriyaki beef is ready, the fun really begins as you decide how to present it. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy family meal or an Instagram-worthy dinner, these serving ideas will help you plate it up just right. Think beyond a simple scoop of rice—the possibilities for textures, colors, and complementary flavors are endless, and they’ll keep this weeknight staple feeling fresh every time you make it.
- Serve over fluffy steamed rice with a drizzle of leftover sauce and a side of quick-pickled cucumbers. The tangy crunch of cucumbers cuts through the sugar and soy, making each bite lively.
- Build a teriyaki bowl by adding steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and avocado slices around the beef and rice. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few cilantro sprigs elevate the presentation.
- Spoon the beef into crisp lettuce cups—butter lettuce or romaine leaves work beautifully. Top with shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime for a light, crunchy wrap.
- Transform leftovers into teriyaki tacos by filling soft tortillas with beef, slaw, and a dollop of spicy mayo. It’s a fusion twist that’s bound to impress any crowd.
HOW TO STORE GROUND BEEF TERIYAKI
After enjoying your first meal, you’ll be thrilled to know this dish holds up beautifully for leftovers. Proper storage ensures the teriyaki sauce maintains its glossy richness and the beef stays tender, so reheats feel just as special as the first serving. Keeping things airtight and cool is key, and separating rice from beef when possible helps prevent sogginess. Here are a few tried-and-true methods to lock in flavor and freshness:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the beef and sauce will stay delicious for up to four days.
- Freeze portions in individual meal prep containers or freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. This method helps maintain texture better than microwaving.
- If storing rice separately, keep it in its own container in the fridge or freezer. Microwave with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes, or steam in a colander over simmering water for the best results.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—a complete guide to making, serving, and storing your very own Ground Beef Teriyaki. From the first sizzle of ground beef in the pan to the final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe shows how easy it is to bring bold Asian-inspired flavors into your home kitchen. With only a handful of ingredients and beginner-friendly steps, you can whip up a savory, slightly sweet dinner in under half an hour. Whether you stick to the classic version over steamed rice or experiment with lettuce wraps, bowls, or tacos, this versatile dish adapts to your cravings and schedule. And since it’s rated as a Beginner difficulty level with just a 10-minute prep time and 15-minute cook time, it really is a perfect weeknight rescue.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder for effortless reference on busy evenings. You can also save it digitally to revisit serving tips, storage hacks, and ingredient insights whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. Scroll down to find a handy FAQ section if you have any questions about substitutions or troubleshooting. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment below sharing how it turned out! I’d love to hear your feedback, answer any cooking questions, or troubleshoot if something didn’t go as planned. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious dinner victories with your new favorite teriyaki twist!
Ground Beef Teriyaki
Description
This Ground Beef Teriyaki combines juicy ground beef with a sweet and savory sauce, perfect over fluffy steamed rice. Quick to make, it’s a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin or rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and onions in the skillet, stirring to combine and coat everything evenly.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
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Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
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Serve the ground beef teriyaki over steamed rice, and enjoy!
Note
- Ground Beef Teriyaki can be adapted with different proteins like chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Mirin adds a sweet tang, but rice vinegar can be used if it's not available.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding freshly grated ginger.
- Leftovers are delicious and make a great filling for a teriyaki bowl or wrap.
- You can add vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
