We’re about to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly flavorful ground beef teriyaki recipe that’ll have your family asking for seconds. This Japanese-inspired dish combines the rich umami flavors of traditional teriyaki sauce with affordable ground beef, creating a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
What makes this recipe absolutely irresistible is how the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze coats every morsel of perfectly seasoned ground beef. We’ve streamlined the cooking process so you can have this restaurant-quality dish on your table in just 20 minutes – making it perfect for busy families who crave something more exciting than the usual ground beef routine.
The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Our homemade teriyaki sauce uses simple staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to create that glossy, caramelized coating that makes this dish absolutely addictive.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected each ingredient to create authentic teriyaki flavors that complement the rich taste of ground beef. Our recipe uses simple pantry staples that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 lean to fat ratio
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice for serving
Equipment Needed
Creating this delicious ground beef teriyaki requires just a few essential kitchen tools that most home cooks already have on hand. We’ve streamlined our equipment list to focus on the basics that will help you achieve perfectly cooked beef with that signature glossy teriyaki glaze.
Large skillet or wok serves as our primary cooking vessel for browning the ground beef and building those deep flavors. The wide surface area allows for proper browning without overcrowding the meat.
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon becomes essential for breaking up the ground beef into uniform pieces and stirring the mixture without scratching your cookware. These tools also help incorporate the teriyaki sauce evenly throughout the dish.
Saucepan, rice cooker, or instant pot handles the rice preparation while you focus on the main dish. Having perfectly cooked rice ready ensures your teriyaki beef has the ideal foundation for serving.
Mixing bowl allows us to whisk together our homemade teriyaki sauce ingredients before adding them to the skillet. This prevents lumps and ensures smooth sauce consistency.
Measuring cups and spoons guarantee accurate proportions for both the sauce components and cooking oils. Precise measurements create the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Cutting board and knife prepare fresh aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger, though you can substitute pre-chopped alternatives to save time on busy weeknights.
Serving bowls complete our setup for presenting this beautiful dish over rice with your favorite garnishes and accompaniments.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create our delicious ground beef teriyaki in just 20 minutes. We’ll guide you through each stage to ensure perfectly balanced flavors and tender results.
Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Dice the onion into small pieces or use frozen diced onions for convenience. Mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic or substitute with 1 tablespoon of pre-minced garlic from a jar. Prepare fresh ginger by grating 1 tablespoon or use ½ teaspoon of ground ginger as an alternative.
Ensure your rice is cooked and ready for serving since the beef cooks quickly. Slice green onions and measure out sesame seeds for garnishing. Having everything prepped beforehand allows us to focus on achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Whisk together ½ cup soy sauce and ¼ cup brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey for depth of flavor. Incorporate the prepared ginger and half of the minced garlic into the sauce mixture.
Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry for thickening. Pour this mixture into the sauce and whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your preference before setting aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add 1 pound ground beef along with the diced onions and remaining minced garlic. Break up the meat using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the beef turns completely brown and the onions become tender and translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. The beef should be crumbly and evenly cooked throughout.
Combine and Simmer
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked ground beef mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together using your spatula to coat the beef evenly with sauce. The mixture should look glossy and well combined.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef. The sauce should reduce slightly and develop a beautiful glaze. Remove from heat once the desired consistency is reached and the flavors have melded together perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving this ground beef teriyaki hot over steamed white or brown rice for the most traditional presentation. The fluffy rice perfectly absorbs the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce while providing a satisfying base for the flavorful beef.
Rice alternatives offer excellent flexibility for different dietary preferences. Cauliflower rice works wonderfully for those following low-carb eating plans, while rice noodles create an appealing texture contrast that many families enjoy.
Fresh vegetables elevate this dish both nutritionally and visually. We suggest pairing the teriyaki ground beef with roasted broccoli, crisp green beans, or convenient microwavable vegetable bags that add vibrant colors and fresh textures to your plate.
| Serving Option | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| White/Brown Rice | Traditional steamed rice base | Classic presentation |
| Cauliflower Rice | Low-carb alternative | Keto/low-carb diets |
| Rice Noodles | Asian-style noodle base | Texture variety |
| Vegetable Sides | Broccoli, green beans, mixed vegetables | Added nutrition |
Creative sauce additions can transform your serving experience. A “yum yum sauce” made from light mayo, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder creates a creamy complement that we love drizzling on top or serving alongside the main dish.
Garnishing plays a crucial role in both flavor and presentation. We always finish our ground beef teriyaki with sesame seeds and sliced green onions (scallions) to enhance the dish’s authentic appearance and add subtle flavor notes that complete the Japanese-inspired experience.
Consider creating a teriyaki bowl station for family dinners. This approach allows each person to customize their serving with preferred vegetables and rice types while maintaining the delicious core flavors that make this dish so appealing.
Storage Instructions
Our delicious ground beef teriyaki makes excellent leftovers and can be stored safely for future meals. Proper storage techniques will help maintain both flavor and food safety standards.
Refrigerator Storage
We recommend transferring the cooled ground beef teriyaki to an airtight container before refrigerating. The dish will maintain its quality and safety for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Always allow our teriyaki beef to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to preserve both texture and food safety standards.
For best results we suggest storing the rice separately from the beef mixture to prevent the grains from becoming mushy. This approach also makes reheating much easier and more effective.
Freezer Storage
We can extend the storage life significantly by freezing our ground beef teriyaki in freezer-safe airtight containers. The dish will retain its delicious flavor and texture for up to 3 months in the freezer without important quality loss.
Our recommendation is to divide the teriyaki beef into individual serving portions before freezing. This method allows us to thaw only what we need and makes meal planning much more convenient. Consider freezing portions with rice and vegetables already combined for complete ready-to-reheat meals.
Reheating Instructions
We prefer reheating our ground beef teriyaki on low heat in a skillet or saucepan while stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of extra teriyaki sauce or water if the mixture appears dry during reheating to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
Microwave reheating works well for individual portions using medium power for 1 to 2 minutes. We always stir halfway through the heating process to ensure even warming throughout the dish.
The key to successful reheating is avoiding excessive heat which can toughen the ground beef. Gentle reheating preserves the tender texture we worked to achieve during the original cooking process.
Recipe Variations
Our ground beef teriyaki recipe serves as a versatile foundation for countless delicious adaptations. These variations allow you to customize the dish to match your family’s preferences while maintaining the same quick 20-minute cooking time.
Spicy Ground Beef Teriyaki
We transform our classic recipe into a fiery delight by incorporating heat elements throughout the cooking process. Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes directly to the teriyaki sauce while whisking for an even spice distribution. For those who prefer a bolder kick, we recommend stirring in 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce during the final simmering stage.
Fresh jalapeños provide another excellent heat option when diced and sautéed alongside the onions and garlic. Chili garlic sauce offers a more complex flavor profile, requiring just 1 tablespoon mixed into the sauce for substantial heat. We suggest starting with smaller amounts and adjusting to taste, as the spice level can quickly intensify during the cooking process.
Pineapple Ground Beef Teriyaki
Sweet tropical flavors create a perfect balance with the savory teriyaki sauce in this variation. We add 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple or well-drained canned pineapple chunks to the skillet after browning the beef. The pineapple caramelizes slightly during the simmering process, creating deeper flavor complexity.
Pineapple juice enhances the sauce itself when we substitute 2 tablespoons of the water with fresh pineapple juice. This addition provides natural sweetness and acidity that complements the brown sugar and rice vinegar. We recommend using fresh pineapple when possible for the best texture and flavor, though canned varieties work well for convenience.
Low-Sodium Version
Health-conscious cooks can easily reduce the sodium content without sacrificing flavor through strategic ingredient swaps. We replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, which cuts sodium by approximately 40% while maintaining the essential umami taste. Eliminating added salt from the beef browning stage further reduces sodium levels.
Natural sweeteners like honey or pure maple syrup substitute for brown sugar, providing complex flavors that enhance the overall taste profile. We increase fresh ginger to 2 teaspoons and garlic to 4 cloves to boost flavor intensity without adding sodium. These aromatic ingredients create depth that compensates for the reduced salt content while maintaining the dish’s authentic teriyaki character.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Teriyaki
We achieve exceptional flavor in our ground beef teriyaki by using sesame oil when cooking the beef and aromatics. This essential ingredient provides authentic Asian flavor that sets our dish apart from versions made with regular cooking oil. Start by heating the sesame oil in your skillet before adding the onion, garlic, and ginger for maximum flavor infusion.
Convenience shortcuts help us maintain great taste while saving precious prep time. Frozen diced onions work beautifully in this recipe and eliminate the tears that come with chopping fresh onions. Pre-minced garlic from a jar delivers consistent flavor without the hassle of peeling and mincing individual cloves.
Our sauce stays glossy and properly thickened when we add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create this mixture. Stir the slurry into the simmering beef and sauce during the final minutes of cooking to achieve that perfect restaurant-style consistency.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 3 days | Add splash of water or broth while reheating |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat gently with liquid |
Proper storage maintains the quality of our leftovers for future meals. Store cooled teriyaki beef in airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and flavor transfer. When reheating refrigerated portions, add a splash of water or low-sodium broth to restore the sauce’s original consistency.
Garnishes elevate both the appearance and flavor profile of our finished dish. Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch that complements the tender beef perfectly. Fresh sliced green onions add color and a mild onion bite that balances the sweet teriyaki sauce. Crushed red pepper flakes offer optional heat for those who prefer spicier flavors.
We ensure even cooking by breaking up large chunks of ground beef as it browns in the skillet. This technique creates uniform pieces that absorb the teriyaki sauce more effectively. Cook the beef completely before adding the sauce to prevent diluting the flavors with excess moisture.
Conclusion
This ground beef teriyaki recipe proves that delicious Japanese-inspired flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen or expensive ingredients. We’ve shown you how to create a satisfying meal that’ll become a regular rotation in your weeknight dinner lineup.
The versatility we’ve covered means you can adapt this recipe to suit your family’s preferences while keeping that signature sweet and savory teriyaki taste. Whether you choose the spicy version or add pineapple for extra sweetness your dinner table will never be boring.
With proper storage techniques and reheating methods you can enjoy this flavorful dish throughout the week. We’re confident this recipe will save you time money and stress while delivering the kind of homemade meal your family craves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make ground beef teriyaki?
This ground beef teriyaki recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The quick cooking time is achieved by using ground beef, which cooks faster than whole cuts, and a simple homemade teriyaki sauce that comes together quickly.
What ingredients do I need for homemade teriyaki sauce?
The homemade teriyaki sauce requires soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, garlic, ginger, and vegetable oil. Most of these pantry staples are likely already in your kitchen, making this recipe both convenient and budget-friendly for families.
Can I store leftover ground beef teriyaki?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and maintain the sauce’s consistency.
What are some variations of this recipe?
Popular variations include a spicy version with crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha, a pineapple variation that adds sweetness and tropical flavor, and a low-sodium version using reduced-sodium soy sauce and other ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences.
What should I serve with ground beef teriyaki?
This dish pairs excellently with steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or rice noodles. You can also serve it with fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
What kitchen equipment do I need?
Essential equipment includes a large skillet or wok for cooking the beef, a mixing bowl for preparing the teriyaki sauce, and basic measuring tools like cups and spoons. Having these items ready ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
How do I make the sauce glossy and thick?
Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce. This technique helps achieve the signature glossy consistency of teriyaki sauce while ensuring it properly coats the ground beef without lumps.
Can I use shortcuts to save time?
Absolutely! Use frozen diced onions instead of fresh, pre-minced garlic from a jar, and sesame oil for enhanced flavor. These convenient shortcuts maintain the dish’s quality while reducing prep time, making it even more suitable for busy weeknights.
