Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed! With juicy, flavorful beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, sweet-salty sauce, this dish transforms just a handful of everyday ingredients into a dinner worth craving. Everything comes together in a single skillet in under half an hour, making it the ultimate combination of quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. If you love Asian-inspired flavors and want something delicious without much fuss, Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli will quickly earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal fuss. Each ingredient is selected to balance savory, sweet, and tangy notes, building layers of umami that make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli totally irresistible.
- Ground beef: Choose lean beef for less grease and plenty of flavorful protein.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen work—just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect forkful.
- Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant punch and makes the whole kitchen smell like heaven.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers savory depth while keeping things from getting too salty.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the soy with an irresistible hint of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, so it clings to every bite of beef and broccoli.
- Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a bit of tang to lift all the flavors.
- Ground ginger: Adds subtle warmth and signature teriyaki flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A dash of heat if you like a slight kick—it’s totally up to you!
- Water: Helps the sauce come together and makes it perfectly glossy.
- Cooked white rice: Serves as a hearty bed to soak up all that savory sauce.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: The fresh crunch and nutty pop take your garnish game to a new level.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and water. Whisk until everything’s smooth and there are no lumps of cornstarch hanging around. Set this tasty mixture aside—it’s going to give Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli its signature shine and flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up as it browns, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want cooked-through crumbles with lots of lovely caramelization. If there’s some excess fat, go ahead and drain it off to keep the dish light.
Step 3: Add Garlic for an Aromatic Boost
With the beef still sizzling, stir in the minced garlic. Cook just a minute more, until your kitchen smells like heaven and the garlic loses its raw bite. Be careful not to let it burn—just enough time for the garlic to become fragrant and infuse the meat.
Step 4: Toss in the Broccoli and Pour the Sauce
Add your broccoli florets directly to the skillet, scattering them around the beef. Now, pour your whisked-together sauce on top. Give everything a good stir to coat the beef and broccoli evenly. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green and the sauce thickens to that classic teriyaki sheen.
Step 5: Serve, Garnish, and Enjoy!
Spoon the finished Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli over bowls of steaming white rice. Don’t forget a hearty sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. Serve hot and watch everyone come running for seconds!
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
The final touches really turn this dish into something special. A generous handful of sliced green onions and a shower of sesame seeds don’t just look beautiful—they add fresh crunch and nutty depth that beautifully complement the saucy beef and tender broccoli.
Side Dishes
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is deliciously filling all on its own, but you can round out your table with sides like fluffy steamed rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter meal. Quick-pickled cucumbers or an Asian-style slaw would add a refreshing, crunchy contrast, too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a little extra, try tucking the beef and broccoli filling into lettuce wraps for an appetizer twist, or serve it over ramen noodles for a hearty teriyaki noodle bowl. For lunchboxes, pack it up with rice and a few crisp veggies for a vibrant, Asian-inspired meal prep option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making those weekday lunches or quick dinners a total breeze.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for busy nights ahead. Portion the cooled Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli into freezer-friendly containers, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Leave off the garnishes until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until everything’s warmed through and the sauce is bubbly again. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works just fine—just cover and heat in short increments, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Definitely! Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli works beautifully with ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version. The sauce pairs well with just about any protein you enjoy.
What’s the best way to keep the broccoli bright and crisp?
If you love vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, you can steam it briefly before adding it to the skillet, or stir it in right at the end and cook just until tender. This keeps the color and crunch especially fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be with a couple of tweaks! Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or tamari, and double-check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli spicy?
Absolutely! The pinch of red pepper flakes gives just a subtle kick, but you can always add more to your taste, or drizzle on some sriracha or hot chili oil at the end for extra heat.
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Of course! Just brown the beef in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough, and prepare a double batch of sauce. This dish keeps and reheats so well that it’s perfect for prepping ahead.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new staple that’s speedy, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, give Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli a try. The flavors are as bold as they are comforting, and the ease of preparation means it truly fits into even your busiest weeknights. Enjoy every last saucy, savory, veggie-packed bite!
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Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with crisp broccoli in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup water
For Serving:
- cooked white rice
- chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Broccoli and Sauce: Stir in the broccoli and pour in the sauce. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened. Reduce heat if needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use pre-cut broccoli for faster prep, or steam the broccoli separately and stir it in at the end for a brighter color and crunchier texture.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
