This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe is my weeknight secret for turning simple ingredients into a punchy, flavor-filled dinner in just 25 minutes! You’ll get tender broccoli, lean ground beef, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that tastes better than takeout—all in a single skillet. Perfect for busy evenings yet impressive enough for guests, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat, with all the savory-sweet, garlicky goodness your tastebuds crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beauties of this dish is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays an important role, bringing unique flavor, texture, and vibrant color to this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
- Lean ground beef: The base of the dish—choose 90% lean for a lighter meal that still tastes irresistibly rich.
- Broccoli florets: Brings a pop of green and a crucial crunch—fresh or frozen both work, making it super convenient.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps everything brown up beautifully in the skillet.
- Garlic (minced): Gives the dish its aromatic, savory kick—don’t skip it!
- Ground ginger: Lends warmth and a hint of spice, essential for that signature teriyaki flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A dash perks up the whole pan, perfect if you like a little heat.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of your teriyaki sauce, making everything deliciously savory.
- Honey: Sweetens and balances the sauce for that classic glaze, without being overpowering.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a gentle tang that brightens all the flavors.
- Sesame oil: Adds nutty richness—a little goes a long way for that authentic teriyaki taste.
- Cornstarch: The magic thickener that transforms the sauce into a glossy glaze.
- Water: Keeps the sauce silky and the right consistency—so every bite is coated just right.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. This quick homemade sauce comes together in less than a minute, but don’t be fooled by the simplicity—the flavor is way better than any bottle! Set the sauce aside so it’s ready to bring everything together later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. Sauté until nicely browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, go ahead and drain it off—this helps keep the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe from feeling heavy.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for about a minute—just long enough for those amazing smells to fill your kitchen and make you hungry.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the pan to let it steam for 3 to 4 minutes. For frozen broccoli, thaw it first or cook for an extra minute or two. You want the broccoli to be bright green and fork-tender but still crisp—no mushy veggies here!
Step 5: Combine with the Sauce
Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce into the skillet, and stir until everything is evenly coated. The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken it quickly—just give it 2 to 3 minutes to bubble up and become glossy, coating every morsel of beef and broccoli. Once it looks thick and delicious, remove from the heat and serve hot over rice, cauliflower rice, or straight from the skillet for a cozy, casual meal.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds a wonderful crunch and a fresh, poppy finish to your Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. For extra brightness, even a quick squeeze of lime can bring out the flavors.
Side Dishes
While rice is the classic choice—soaking up all that savory-sweet sauce—this dish also shines alongside steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For an extra veggie boost, pair with a crunchy slaw or quick-pickled cucumbers. You’ll love how versatile it is on your dinner table!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stuffing the teriyaki beef and broccoli into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer or a light main. Or, top it with a fried or soft-boiled egg for a protein-packed rice bowl. If you want to meal prep, portion the recipe into individual containers for easy, exciting lunches all week long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container—this dish holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch just might taste even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, divide the fully cooled Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe into portions, and store them in airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Frozen, it will stay tasty for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring between intervals for even heating. The beef and broccoli stay tender, and the sauce keeps its gorgeous shine!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with your favorite gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check any other ingredients you use, and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free version of the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
What’s the best way to cook the broccoli so it doesn’t get soggy?
Quick steaming is key. Add just a little water, cover the skillet, and keep an eye on the texture—you want those florets bright green and with a bit of bite. Using fresh broccoli makes it easiest to control the doneness, but thawed frozen works with a slightly longer cook time.
Can I substitute another protein for the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully in the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Just adjust the cook time as needed, since leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a more savory glaze, simply reduce the amount of honey by half or swap in a tablespoon of brown sugar. Taste as you go—you can always add more sweetener if you like it a bit stickier.
Does the teriyaki sauce keep well if made ahead?
Yes, you can whisk together the sauce up to a few days in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before pouring it into your hot skillet. It will thicken up just as perfectly as if made fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a speedy dinner with big, bold flavors, this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly delivers. It’s fuss-free, deeply satisfying, and easy to make your own—whether you stick with classic rice or try something new. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new family favorite!
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Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
-
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in broccoli. Steam until tender if using fresh, or cook longer if using frozen.
- Combine and Cook: Pour in the teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Enjoy the dish hot over rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions before serving for extra flavor and texture.
- Try ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
