
If you want a meal on the table before anyone can even ask what's for supper, this ground beef teriyaki is perfect. I tossed it together on a super hectic night—and honestly, it's our go-to when time's tight. The beef turns glossy and sticky, while loads of veggies give you crunch and color. I can't get enough of the homemade sweet-salty sauce that goes on top. It makes everything so good.
Why You'll Love This
This dish brings loads of flavor in hardly any time at all. Whipping up the sauce takes simple ground beef to another level. It’s super flexible—pile it on rice, tuck in lettuce wraps, or save some for easy lunches.
What You'll Need
- Red Pepper Flakes: Want more heat? These'll do it—they're optional.
- Orange Zest: Just a pinch wakes up the whole dish.
- Corn Starch: Makes everything thicken up nicely.
- Garlic: Freshly chopped tastes best.
- Fresh Ginger: Brings a spicy kick and bright flavor.
- Brown Sugar and Honey: Toss in both for a perfect mix of sweet.
- Soy Sauce: Go low-sodium if you want to keep the salt chill.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and rich sauce vibes.
- Green Onions: Top everything off with a fresh punch of color and taste.
- Carrots: Grab the pre-cut kind to save time.
- Broccoli: Fresh is awesome, but frozen will totally work too.
- Ground Beef: I lean toward lean—stays moist without the extra fat.
- Sesame Oil: Just a tidy bit gives you that nutty kick.
Ready to Make It?
- Step 5: Dig In
- Spoon it onto rice, tuck into lettuce, or eat straight from the pan—your call. Sprinkle a bit more green onion and you’re set.
- Step 4: Let the Sauce Shine
- Pour that homemade sauce over everything. Keep it moving and watch as it bubbles up and turns sticky, coating each bit.
- Step 3: Color Comes Next
- Add broccoli, carrots, and the green onions. Stir them in just long enough to keep them crisp and colorful.
- Step 2: Brown Up the Beef
- Heat sesame oil in a hot pan. Drop in your beef, break it apart, and cook till no pink’s left and it’s crumbly.
- Step 1: Stir the Sauce
- Start by making the sauce—toss soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and other bits in a bowl. Cornstarch goes in too so it’ll thicken nicely later.
Ways to Change It Up
- Go Lower Carb: Wrap it all up in butter lettuce leaves for crunch.
- Mix Up the Protein: Swap in ground turkey or chicken if you want it a little lighter.
- Try a Different Sweetener: Maple syrup stands in for honey any time.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add a squirt of sriracha for a spicy punch.
- Veggie Swaps: Snow peas or bell peppers work great if that’s what you have around.
How to Keep It Tasting Great
- Warm It Up Right: Splash some broth over leftovers while reheating to keep everything moist.
- Store in the Fridge: Tastes fantastic for up to four days—so good for meal prep.
- Stash in the Freezer: Pop portions away for three months, just defrost before you plan to use it.
Pro Tips
- Boost the Sauce: I love doubling the sauce so every bite is covered.
- Keeps It Safe: Be sure the ground beef is fully cooked through—no pink left.
- Check the Heat: Use a few pepper flakes at first, and add extra if you want it spicier.
- Get Saucy Texture: Stop when it's thick enough to cling to a spoon.
- Go Fresh: Fresh chopped ginger and garlic make everything better.
Build Your Plate
We usually toss this over some hot rice, but cauliflower rice is tasty too. Sometimes I’ll pile it in lettuce for a handheld option. Cool cucumber salad on the side is a nice touch. Top with sesame seeds and squeeze on a little lime—so good.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I tell if the ground beef is done?
- Use a thermometer to check for 160°F inside the beef. Don't rely just on its color since that's not always accurate.
- → Can I make more sauce for this dish?
- Sure, just double the sauce ingredients. Add little by little until it’s perfect, and save any extra for later use.
- → How long will the leftovers stay fresh?
- Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them up to 3 months.
- → Is it okay to use frozen veggies here?
- Absolutely, frozen broccoli works fine. Just cook it until warm and soft, adjusting the time as needed.
- → Can I make this ahead for meals?
- Yep, this dish is great for meal prepping. Cook it early and portion into containers for easy meals later in the week.