Teriyaki Ground Beef Recipe

WRITTEN BY Megan Foster

August 25, 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Delicious plate of teriyaki ground beef served with rice and vegetables
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Delicious plate of teriyaki ground beef served with rice and vegetables

Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe

Ground beef teriyaki is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and a rich, satisfying texture, making it a perfect candidate for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce gives this recipe a mouthwatering aroma that will leave your kitchen smelling fantastic. With its quick cooking time and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. You may also find Hearty Healthy Beef Stew Cozy One Pot Dinner useful.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

This ground beef teriyaki recipe has a total preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. You can serve this tasty dish to 4 people, making it an ideal option for families or small gatherings. You may also find Jamaican Style Beef Stew With Rice Recipe useful.

Ingredients

To prepare ground beef teriyaki, you will need the following ingredients: You may also find Old Fashioned Beef Stew useful.

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process. You may also find Poke Bowls With Teriyaki Chicken useful.

Step-By-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and minced garlic. This will be the base of your teriyaki sauce.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: In another bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Once the beef is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and pour the sauce over the beef. Stir to combine. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add Green Onions: Just before serving, stir in the chopped green onions for an added crunch and fresh flavor.
  5. Serve: Spoon the teriyaki ground beef over bowls of rice and enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Choose Lean Beef: Use lean ground beef (around 85% lean) to avoid excess grease in your dish.
  2. Homemade Sauce Option: For a more vibrant flavor, consider making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch using soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
  3. Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
  4. Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your taste. Some might prefer a sweeter sauce while others may enjoy a more savory flavor.
  5. Serving Suggestions: Pair the teriyaki beef with avocado slices or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to mix it up, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You could also try using a different protein, such as tofu or tempeh, to make the dish vegetarian-friendly. For a gluten-free version, swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos or tamari.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of ground beef teriyaki contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat. The exact nutrition may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, so be sure to adjust according to your dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins.

2. Is teriyaki sauce healthy? Teriyaki sauce can be higher in sugar, but you can control the sweetness by adjusting the honey and brown sugar quantities.

3. How spicy is this dish? This recipe is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you prefer.

4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, cooked ground beef teriyaki can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. What should I serve with this dish? This teriyaki beef pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, fried rice, or a fresh salad.

6. How do I enhance the flavor? Adding sesame seeds and fresh herbs can enhance the flavors significantly.

Conclusion

Ground beef teriyaki is a versatile and flavorful dish that makes for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week. If you’re interested in exploring more delicious ground beef recipes, check out this easy ground beef teriyaki stir fry recipe which highlights similar flavors. Additionally, you may enjoy trying this teriyaki ground beef option for another tasty twist on this popular dish. Enjoy your cooking!

Delicious plate of teriyaki ground beef served with rice and vegetables

Ground Beef Teriyaki

A savory and satisfying dish combining ground beef with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Japanese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef (around 85% lean) for less grease.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce For a gluten-free version, use coconut aminos or tamari.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar Adjust to taste based on your preference for sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Can be substituted or adjusted for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch This thickens the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil For frying the beef.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and minced garlic to create the teriyaki sauce.
  • In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart, for about 5–7 minutes.
  • Mix the cornstarch with water in another bowl until smooth. Once the beef is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef. Stir to combine.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving.
  • Serve the teriyaki ground beef over bowls of rice.

Notes

For a healthier twist, add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keyword Easy Recipe, Family Favorite, Ground Beef Teriyaki, one-pot meal, Quick Dinner

Megan Foster

The soul behind Yummy Recipes Blog. What began in my New york kitchen as a way to make family meals easier turned into a path toward feel-good, balanced cooking. Once I learned how food shaped my energy and digestion, I started creating simple, nourishing recipes for real life — no fuss, just food that works! Let’s dig deeper  →

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