If you’re looking for a speedy, flavor-packed dinner that checks every box—hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying—let me introduce you to Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli. This is the kind of recipe I reach for when time is short but taste is non-negotiable. Juicy ground beef and vibrant broccoli get tossed in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce that is sweet, savory, and just a tad gingery. Whether you’re new to stir fries or already obsessed, this dish just might become your new weeknight go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of everyday staples, you can create a meal that hits all the right notes—colorful, saucy, and deeply comforting. Every ingredient in this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe plays a role, from savoriness and crunch to that signature saucy finish.
- Lean Ground Beef: Using a leaner cut means less grease and all the protein you need, plus it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli Florets: The broccoli brings a burst of color and crunch that balances the richness of the beef and soaks up every drop of teriyaki.
- Vegetable Oil: The perfect flavor-neutral oil for getting that beef browned and juicy without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic: A simple trio of cloves brings essential depth and that irresistible kitchen aroma.
- Fresh Ginger: Just half a teaspoon grated makes the sauce sing with aromatic, slightly spicy undertones.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The salty foundation of the teriyaki, letting you control the sodium but never skimping on umami.
- Brown Sugar: A couple slick spoonfuls add subtle sweetness and help the sauce caramelize and cling.
- Rice Vinegar: This gives the sauce brightness and a touch of tang to keep it from being too heavy.
- Cornstarch: The key to that thick, shiny, takeout-style sauce that coats every bite.
- Water: Loosens the sauce and makes sure it simmers to perfection.
- Sesame Oil: For nutty fragrance and a restaurant-style finish—just a splash does wonders.
- Cooked Rice: For serving; soak up all the sauce and make this feel like a true meal.
- Sesame Seeds and Sliced Green Onions (Optional): These quick garnishes add color, crunch, and a little something extra on top.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This is the base of your teriyaki magic, and it literally takes under a minute to pull together. That cornstarch will turn everything irresistibly glossy when it simmers with the beef later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat up your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil, then toss in the ground beef. Use a sturdy spatula to break it all up; you want even browning and crumbled bits so every mouthful gets coated in sauce. If there’s excess fat, just spoon it off—no one wants a greasy stir fry.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once that beef is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Give it another minute or two, just until everything smells impossibly good and the aromatics have softened. This step is the secret to infusing flavor throughout your Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli.
Step 4: Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour in your sauce, turn the heat down to medium, and let it all bubble away together for a few minutes. Watch it turn from thin and runny to glossy and luscious, thick enough to really cling to the beef. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
Meanwhile, steam or microwave the broccoli just until it’s bright green and barely tender—about 2–3 minutes will do. The texture should have a little bit of snap, so don’t overdo it! This helps preserve its nutrients and gives a lovely crunch to contrast the saucy beef.
Step 6: Finish and Toss It All Together
Add the steamed broccoli and sesame oil straight into the skillet with your beef and sauce. Give everything a good toss to make sure each floret gets coated in that amazing teriyaki. Another minute or two on the heat and you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
The right garnish elevates every bite. Try a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch and a scattering of fresh green onions for color and a crisp, peppery finish. If you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat that plays off the sweet sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is classic over a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the savory sauce. If you’re after a low-carb option, spoon it onto cauliflower rice or pile it atop steamed quinoa for bonus protein. A crisp cucumber salad or pickled veggies on the side are perfect for balancing out the rich, saucy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party spin, scoop the beef and broccoli mixture into lettuce cups or serve it family-style with a big spoon for guests to help themselves. Leftovers even make an excellent filling for wraps or on top of baked potatoes for an Asian-fusion twist. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—the beauty of Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is how adaptable it is!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Once completely cooled, pack it into an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to four days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to lock in those fragrant flavors and keep the broccoli from absorbing fridge smells.
Freezing
This dish is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Spoon any cooled leftovers into a resealable bag or airtight container, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, freeze sauce and rice separately, if possible, to maintain those delicious textures.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If it looks a tad dry, add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to bring back the sauciness that makes Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ground meat?
Absolutely! This recipe is just as delicious with ground turkey or ground chicken. Just keep an eye as they tend to cook a little faster and yield a slightly lighter flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or even crumbled firm tofu. The teriyaki sauce and broccoli will still shine, and you’ll have the same great texture and taste profile.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
No worries—use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in a pinch. While fresh does give a brighter kick, the dried spice still delivers warm flavor throughout the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your rice vinegar and other ingredients are also gluten-free. Everything else is naturally friendly for those avoiding gluten!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots all work beautifully and complement both the beef and the homemade teriyaki. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, so every veggie keeps its color and bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable, give Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli a try. It’s the perfect balance of quick comfort and craveable flavor—you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli, a flavorful Asian stir-fry dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish features savory ground beef cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce with tender broccoli, served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Add the Teriyaki Sauce: Stir in the prepared teriyaki sauce, simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until tender.
- Combine and Serve: Stir broccoli and sesame oil into the beef mixture. Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
