Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE: A Complete Guide to a Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meals, few dishes can compete with a well-made stir-fry. This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE is one of those meals that checks every box: fast to prepare, budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a savory dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers every time.

Ground beef stir-fries are beloved for their simplicity, but when paired with a homemade teriyaki sauce and colorful vegetables, they transform into something truly special. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, the tender texture of the beef, and the crisp freshness of the vegetables create a meal that feels indulgent while still being nutritious.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE—from ingredient selection and preparation tips to variations, storage advice, nutrition insights, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll not only know how to make this dish perfectly, but you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Why the Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE Is a Weeknight Favorite

Modern home cooks are always searching for recipes that are fast, flexible, and flavorful. This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE fits perfectly into that lifestyle.

1. Speed and Convenience

From start to finish, this recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes. The use of ground beef eliminates the need for slicing meat, which is often the most time-consuming part of stir-fry cooking.

2. Simple Pantry Ingredients

Most of the ingredients—soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and rice vinegar—are pantry staples. Fresh vegetables can be swapped depending on what you have on hand.

3. Family-Friendly Flavor

The mild sweetness of teriyaki sauce appeals to kids and adults alike. It’s bold without being overpowering.

4. Versatile Serving Options

Serve it over rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in lettuce cups. This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE adapts to many dietary preferences.

Understanding the Flavor Profile of Teriyaki

Teriyaki is a cornerstone of Asian-inspired cooking, known for its glossy finish and sweet-savory depth. In this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE, the sauce plays a starring role.

Key Flavor Elements

• Saltiness from soy sauce

• Sweetness from brown sugar

• Tanginess from rice vinegar

• Rich aroma from sesame oil

Cornstarch thickens the sauce, allowing it to cling beautifully to the beef and vegetables, ensuring every bite is coated with flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown: Why Each One Matters

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE and how they contribute to the final dish.

Main Ingredients

1 lb Ground Beef
Ground beef provides rich flavor and satisfying texture. Choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.

1 Small Onion, Diced
Adds natural sweetness and depth to the base of the stir-fry.

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
Garlic enhances the savory profile and complements the teriyaki sauce.

1 cup Bell Peppers, Sliced
Bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.

1 cup Broccoli Florets
Broccoli brings freshness, fiber, and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet sauce.

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

¼ cup Soy Sauce
The salty backbone of the sauce.

2 tbsp Brown Sugar
Balances the saltiness with deep, caramel-like sweetness.

1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
Adds acidity to prevent the sauce from tasting flat.

1 tbsp Cornstarch
Thickens the sauce to a glossy, restaurant-style finish.

¼ cup Water
Dilutes the sauce to the perfect consistency.

1 tsp Sesame Oil
Adds a nutty aroma that completes the dish.

For Serving

Cooked Rice or Noodles
Acts as a neutral base to absorb the flavorful sauce.

2 Green Onions, Sliced
Adds freshness and a mild onion bite as garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions (Expanded Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preparation is key to any successful stir-fry. Wash and slice the bell peppers, cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures the process stays quick and stress-free.

This mise en place approach is especially important for this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE, as stir-frying moves quickly once the heat is on.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary, especially if using higher-fat ground beef.

This step builds the savory foundation of the Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and still brightly colored.

Avoid overcooking—the vegetables should retain some bite to contrast with the tender beef.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly.

Cook for 2–3 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly. This is where the Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE truly comes together.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix well. Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Expert Tips for the Best Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE

• Use high heat to prevent steaming the beef.

• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can cause soggy vegetables.

• Fresh garlic beats jarred garlic for flavor impact.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE is how customizable it is.

Protein Swaps

• Ground turkey

• Ground chicken

• Plant-based ground meat

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Snap peas

• Carrots

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

Spice It Up

• Red pepper flakes

• Chili garlic sauce

• Sriracha drizzle

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE is ideal for meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without rice).

• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE: A Complete Guide to a Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Print Recipe

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients and colorful vegetables, it delivers a sweet-and-savory teriyaki flavor that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, comforting dinner the whole family will love.

• Author: salah

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)

• 1 cup broccoli florets

Teriyaki Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Serving

• Cooked rice or noodles

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and slice the bell peppers, cut broccoli into florets, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped ahead keeps cooking fast and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ground beef, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp and still vibrant.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix well. Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.

Notes

• Swap the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter option.

• Extra veggies: Snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms are delicious additions.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

• Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 400–450

• Protein: 25–30 g

• Carbohydrates: 30–35 g

• Fat: 20–25 g

• Fiber: 3–4 g

This balance makes the dish filling and energizing without being overly heavy.

Why This Recipe Works for Families

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE appeals to picky eaters, busy parents, and home cooks of all skill levels. It’s familiar yet exciting, comforting yet fresh, and easy without being boring.

Kids love the slightly sweet sauce, while adults appreciate the savory depth and nutritional balance.

Final Thoughts

The Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry RecipE is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing solution for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying. With its simple ingredients, bold teriyaki flavor, and endless customization options, this recipe proves that great meals don’t need to be complicated.

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or a low-carb alternative, this dish delivers comfort, convenience, and flavor in every bite. Once you try it, chances are it will become a staple in your weekly meal plan.