Name: Savory Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry: Quick & Colorful Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (or turkey/tofu); 2 cups Bell Peppers (mixed colors); 2 cups Broccoli (cut into florets); 1 medium Onion (diced); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium recommended); 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (or honey/maple syrup); 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder); 1/4 cup Water; 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (or olive oil); 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (required for flavor); 2 tablespoons Green Onions (sliced)

The sizzle of a hot pan, flames dancing as vibrant colors come together—there’s something magical about cooking that brings joy to the heart. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Quick & Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry, a delightful dish that captures the essence of home-cooked meals without the fuss. Perfect for those hectic weeknights, this recipe allows you to whip up a savory dinner in no time, featuring tender ground beef and a medley of crunchy vegetables coated in a deliciously tangy sauce. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to swap out proteins and veggies to suit your family’s taste. Ready to dive into a dish that’s both satisfying and effortless? Let’s get cooking!

What makes this stir-fry special?

Quick Preparation: This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry comes together in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy evenings when time is of the essence.

Vibrant Ingredients: The colorful medley of bell peppers, broccoli, and onions not only makes for a feast for the eyes but also packs in nutrients to keep you healthy and satisfied.

Endless Variations: Looking to mix it up? Substitute ground beef with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist, making it versatile for any dietary preference.

Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce envelops the beef and veggies, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors that will have the whole family coming back for seconds.

For a similar delicious option, consider trying my Beef Pasta Minute on those especially hectic nights.

Crowd-Pleasing Recipe: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a weekly favorite that everyone will enjoy!

Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

Ground Beef – The main protein source providing richness and texture; you can swap it with ground turkey or plant-based options like tofu for a lighter variation.
Bell Peppers – Adds color and crunch; feel free to mix red, yellow, and green ones for a vibrant dish.
Broccoli – Offers nutritional value and a crisp texture; can also be replaced with snap peas or bok choy for variety.
Onion – Builds foundational flavor; yellow or red onions work best in this recipe.
Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile; fresh garlic is advisable for the best taste.

For the Sauce

Soy Sauce – Key for umami and salty flavor; try using low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content in check.
Brown Sugar – Adds necessary sweetness to balance the flavors; substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.
Rice Vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the dish; you can use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish; arrowroot powder works as a gluten-free alternative.

For Cooking

Vegetable Oil – Ideal for cooking at high heat; feel free to swap with olive oil, though it has a lower smoke point.
Sesame Oil – Adds nuttiness and must not be skipped, as it completes the flavor profile beautifully.

For Garnish

Green Onions – Adds a fresh finishing touch; slice them up for the perfect garnish on your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry.

Dive into this delicious blend of flavors and textures that will surely make your mealtime special!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Begin by washing and slicing the bell peppers into strips, cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Arrange your ingredients neatly on a cutting board to streamline the cooking process, as a well-prepped kitchen sets the tone for a successful Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing a wonderful aroma. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously until fragrant to enhance the flavor base of your stir-fry.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet, allowing the beef to maintain its rich flavor while mixing in with the vegetables.

Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now, it’s time to stir in the vibrant bell peppers and broccoli. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender-crisp and brightly colored. This step ensures that your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry not only looks appealing but also retains essential nutrients and crunch.

Step 5: Prepare Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ¼ cup of water to form a smooth sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetable blend in the skillet, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and enrich all the flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry, giving it a final burst of flavor. Serve your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry over bowls of fluffy cooked rice or noodles, and garnish generously with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy this quick, colorful meal with your family!

Expert Tips for Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Use a Large Skillet: A spacious skillet or wok helps in even cooking, preventing the ingredients from steaming and ensuring a perfect stir-fry.
Uniform Sizing: Cut vegetables and meats into similar sizes to guarantee even cooking and a delightful texture in your Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry.
Thicken the Sauce: Don’t rush the thickening process; allowing the sauce to simmer not only enhances flavor but also achieves that glossy finish.
Taste as You Go: Adjust flavors during cooking; if it’s too salty, add a dash of water; if it’s too sweet, a splash of vinegar can help achieve balance.
Let It Sit: For the best flavor experience, let the stir-fry rest for a minute after cooking before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Elevate your dinner experience with delightful sides that complement the rich flavors and textures of your stir-fry.

Fluffy White Rice: Serves as the perfect base, soaking up the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli: An extra serving of crispy broccoli enhances the dish’s nutritional value, adding a fresh crunch.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infused with aromatic garlic, it adds a savory twist that enhances the umami of the beef.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These delightful bites can offer a satisfying crunch and contrast to the tender stir-fry.
Sesame Green Beans: Sauteed with a hint of sesame oil, these beans add vibrant color and nutty flavor to the table.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can cleanse the palate in between rich bites, adding warmth to the meal.
Fruit Salad: A chilled, refreshing fruit salad with citrus notes offers a sweet counterbalance to the savory meal.
Chilled Sake or Green Tea: These beverages can enhance the dining experience, rounding off your meal with a delightful pairing.

How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying.
Freezer: Freeze any extra Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or extra sauce to keep the mixture moist. Stir frequently until heated through.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, and quickly sauté it with the sauce when ready to serve.

Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish; your taste buds will thank you!

Lean Twist: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option, offering a lovely, flavorful alternative that’s just as satisfying.
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still packs a protein punch and takes on the delicious teriyaki flavors.
Colorful Veggie Medley: Add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or snap peas to enhance flavor and texture, creating a more vibrant dish that’s a feast for the eyes.
Extra Heat: For those who love spice, add a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce for a fiery kick that elevates every bite.
Sweet & Savory: Adjust the sweetness of your teriyaki sauce by swapping brown sugar for honey or maple syrup, creating new flavor dimensions that bring a twist to the traditional recipe.
Gluten-Free Magic: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free, while still keeping that rich umami flavor intact.
Nutty Flavor Boost: For an added layer of flavor, toss in a handful of cashews or peanuts during the last few minutes of cooking for a delightful crunch in every bite.
Simple Serving: Sour the dish with a hint of citrus by adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving to brighten the overall flavor profile.

No matter how you choose to adapt this recipe, you can’t go wrong. If you’re in the mood for something equally satisfying, check out my Chinese Beef Broccoli for another family favorite!

Make Ahead Options

These Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry components are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights effortless! You can prep the vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, and onions) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cook the ground beef and drain the fat; it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. To maintain quality, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess. When it’s time to enjoy, simply reheat the beef and veggies in a skillet, add the sauce, and cook briefly until everything is hot and the sauce has thickened, delivering delicious results with minimal effort!

Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use for the stir-fry?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, which brings richness and flavor. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully too. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu or tempeh can be substituted effectively, ensuring everyone at the dinner table is satisfied.

How should I store leftovers from the stir-fry?
Very simply! Store leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop. Don’t forget to add a splash of water or additional sauce to keep it from drying out, ensuring it remains deliciously flavorful!

Can I freeze the Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry?
Of course! To freeze, first let the stir-fry cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it in a skillet over medium heat. A little added water or sauce will help restore moisture.

What should I do if the sauce isn’t thickening properly?
No worries! If your sauce isn’t thickening as desired, try increasing the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. If it’s still not thickening, you can create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens, and you’ll achieve that lovely glossy finish!

Is this stir-fry suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! To make this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry gluten-free, simply swap the regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos, which are great alternatives. Additionally, ensure your cornstarch and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this savory dish!

Can I prepare the stir-fry in advance?
Very much so! For make-ahead convenience, you can cook the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just sauté it quickly with the teriyaki sauce until it’s hot and bubbly. This helps save time on busy weeknights without compromising on flavor!