Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

Few meals strike the perfect balance between speed, flavor, and comfort quite like a stir-fry. This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors without complicated techniques. Built around savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-and-tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Stir-frying is a time-honored cooking method that originated in Asia, prized for its ability to cook ingredients quickly while preserving their texture, color, and nutrients. In this recipe, that technique transforms everyday ingredients into a satisfying, well-balanced meal that feels both hearty and fresh.

What truly sets this teriyaki ground beef stir-fry apart is its versatility. It works just as beautifully served over rice as it does paired with noodles or tucked into lettuce wraps. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or anytime you want a reliable dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a flavorful homemade sauce, this recipe proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you make it, it’s likely to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal prep time
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients
• One-pan cooking for easy cleanup
• Balanced sweet and savory teriyaki flavor
• Packed with protein and vegetables
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables to create a rich, satisfying stir-fry. All measurements below are exact and unchanged.

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
• 1 cup broccoli florets

Teriyaki Sauce Components

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish & Serving

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, depending on portion size and serving method.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepared before cooking ensures a smooth and efficient stir-fry process.

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Adding Vegetables

Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli florets. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp and retain some crunch.

Step 4: Incorporating the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and mix well. Remove from heat. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

Protein Alternatives

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef
• Crumbled tofu or tempeh works for a vegetarian option
• Shrimp or scallops can be substituted for seafood lovers

Vegetable Variations

• Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn
• Spinach or bok choy added at the end for leafy greens

Texture Tips

• Keep vegetables slightly crisp for best stir-fry texture
• Cook in batches if the pan feels overcrowded

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This teriyaki ground beef stir-fry offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The soy sauce provides depth, brown sugar adds gentle sweetness, and rice vinegar balances everything with mild acidity. Sesame oil finishes the dish with a nutty aroma, while fresh vegetables contribute brightness and crunch.

Best paired with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Rice noodles or wheat noodles
• Lettuce wraps for a lighter presentation

Nutritional Overview

This dish delivers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Dietary considerations:

• High-protein
• Contains soy
• Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free soy sauce

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook completely and allow to cool before storing
• Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
• Add a splash of water when reheating if needed

FAQs

Can I use a different sauce instead of teriyaki?

Yes, soy sauce combined with brown sugar or hoisin sauce can be used, but flavor will differ.

What vegetables work best?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can this be prepared in advance?

Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep and reheats well.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	10–15 minutes
Cook Time	15–20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over fluffy rice to soak up the sauce
• Toss with noodles for a hearty bowl
• Spoon into lettuce wraps for a lighter option
• Garnish generously with green onions

Recipe Variations (Same Ingredients)

1. Teriyaki Beef Rice Bowl – Extra rice and garnish
2. Teriyaki Noodle Stir-Fry – Toss directly with noodles
3. Teriyaki Lettuce Cups – Low-carb serving option
4. Meal Prep Boxes – Divided containers with rice

Ingredient Spotlight

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce provides the savory backbone of teriyaki flavor. Choose a good-quality soy sauce for balanced saltiness and depth.

Sesame Oil

Used as a finishing oil, sesame oil adds aroma and nuttiness. A small amount goes a long way.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a hot pan to achieve proper stir-fry texture
• Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking
• Whisk sauce thoroughly to avoid cornstarch clumps
• Add sesame oil at the end for best flavor

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

• Store for up to 4 days in airtight containers

Freezer

• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~24 g
Carbohydrates	~22 g
Fat	~16 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~800 mg

Dietary Notes: Contains soy, gluten (unless gluten-free soy sauce is used)

Expanded Conclusion

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is everything a great home-cooked meal should be—simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It brings together classic stir-fry techniques with familiar ingredients to create a dish that feels comforting yet exciting.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners, this recipe delivers consistent results and endless flexibility. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Print