Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Ground Beef Teriyaki is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce and tender ground beef, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s a meal the whole family will love.

What Is Ground Beef Teriyaki?

Ground Beef Teriyaki combines the rich flavors of traditional teriyaki sauce with the simplicity of ground beef. This dish features a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, creating a deliciously balanced sauce. It’s ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even as a creative filling for wraps or bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Customizable: Easily adjust flavors or make it gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until browned.
3. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.

Adding Aromatics

4. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet.
5. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
7. Pour the mixture over the beef and stir to combine.

Thickening the Sauce (Optional)

8. If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water.
9. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Finishing Touches

10. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Ground Beef Teriyaki over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Pair with noodles, such as udon or ramen, for a hearty meal.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a balanced dish.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat.
• Spicy Teriyaki: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Low-Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like honey or stevia instead of brown sugar.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

How do I make the sauce thicker without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or simply simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.

Ground Beef Teriyaki is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility and bold flavors make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Try this recipe today and share your experience with friends and family!

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