Name: Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

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If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that merges flavor, nutrition, and speed in the most delightful way, let me introduce you to Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli. It’s a saucy, savory skillet meal where tender broccoli and juicy ground beef soak up a homemade teriyaki sauce, becoming perfectly coated in sticky, sweet-salty goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a simple meal-prep solution, this dish will win over taste buds and busy schedules alike!

Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of everyday ingredients can work such magic! Every item on this list plays a starring role, contributing something essential to the taste, texture, or vibrant color of Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli. Let’s break it down:

Ground beef (1 pound): Juicy and flavorful, ground beef is the heart of this dish and a speedy protein source.
Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh broccoli adds bright green color, satisfying crunch, and a nutritional boost.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for sautéing, this helps everything brown and cook evenly with a hint of richness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A fragrant kick that deepens the savory flavor profile.
Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): The backbone of the teriyaki sauce, providing all that umami magic without excess salt.
Water (¼ cup): Helps loosen the sauce and prevent it from getting too intense.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce its sticky sweetness and beautiful caramel color.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with just a hint of tang to balance out the sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water): This quick slurry is the secret to a silky, clingy sauce that coats every bite.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and a classic teriyaki flavor.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A pinch rounds out the sauce and adds gentle spice.
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional for garnish): For a little crunch and a pop of color, these simple toppings make the finished dish beautiful and extra special.

How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Cook the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the broccoli florets. Give them a good stir and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and start to get a little tender. They should still have a bit of crunch—you want them vibrant and not mushy! Transfer the broccoli to a plate so it doesn’t get overcooked while you tackle the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your hot skillet. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink. If the beef releases a lot of fat, go ahead and drain off the excess so your dish won’t get greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor

Stir the minced garlic into the beef and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. It’ll become wonderfully fragrant, adding depth and that irresistible home-cooked aroma to your Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves. This mixture should smell heavenly—salty, sweet, and zingy, all at once. Pour it right over the browned beef, and watch as the skillet sizzles to life!

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch and water together in a little bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the skillet, and let everything simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken up quickly and become glossy, clinging beautifully to the beef and broccoli, just like your favorite takeout dish.

Step 6: Finish with Broccoli

Add the sautéed broccoli back into the skillet, tossing everything together so the veggies are coated in that lovely homemade teriyaki sauce. Let it cook for 1 final minute to warm through, then you’re ready for garnish and serving!

How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Spoon your Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli into bowls and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These little touches add crunch, visual appeal, and a fresh flavor boost that makes the meal feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines over a bed of steaming white or brown rice, but don’t forget the noodles! If you’re watching carbs, swap for cauliflower rice. For a full feast, try pairing with a quick cucumber salad or a side of miso soup—these light, crisp sides provide a refreshing balance to the teriyaki sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff the teriyaki beef and broccoli filling into lettuce cups or serve it as a topping for baked potatoes. Feeling adventurous? Try pairing with a fried egg, or folding into an Asian-style wrap for a grab-and-go lunch. This recipe is truly a blank canvas for your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunch prep or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish truly future-proof, portion leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, simply reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring between each interval. If the sauce seems thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible—just substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You’ll get a lighter, leaner version that’s still packed with all the teriyaki flavor you love.

How do I keep the broccoli bright and crisp?

Quick-cooking the broccoli at the start and adding it back at the end preserves its color and crunch. Avoid overcooking, and your broccoli will stay picture-perfect and delicious.

Is Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can easily swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, making it safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Can I double the recipe for meal prepping?

Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a large skillet or wok. Store in separate containers for quick lunches or dinners all week long.

What if I want the sauce less sweet?

Simply reduce the brown sugar to your taste, or add a splash more rice vinegar for extra tang. The homemade sauce is totally adjustable—taste as you go!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, satisfying, and packed with both flavor and nutrition, you absolutely must try Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli. With its family-friendly flavors and fuss-free prep, it just may become your new weeknight favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of this cozy, craveable classic!

Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli, a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Tender ground beef cooked with broccoli in a savory teriyaki sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef:

1 pound ground beef

Broccoli:

3 cups broccoli florets

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Transfer broccoli to a plate and set aside.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the ground beef. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve: Add the broccoli back to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 more minute. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, then serve hot over rice or noodles.