If you’re looking for an easy, crave-worthy weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor without a lot of fuss, the Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is about to become your new favorite. This dish is the ultimate mashup of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice, all tied together by a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce. Every bite is loaded with juicy ground beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for that perfect fresh crunch. It’s not just easy on your schedule, but also endlessly customizable, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl are blissfully simple, but each one plays a starring role in building vibrant flavors, textures, and aromas. You probably have most of them waiting in your kitchen, ready to transform into something unforgettable.
- Lean ground beef: Offers rich, meaty flavor and a hearty texture that soaks up all the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Bring color, crunch, and nutrients, balancing the savory beef beautifully.
- Sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Adds a fragrant, toasted note that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a punchy, aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Fresh ginger’s subtle heat brightens and fresher-ups the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, but keeps things just light enough.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and bring that classic teriyaki profile.
- Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle tang that lifts the flavors and cuts any richness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce to luscious perfection so it coats every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a pop of gentle heat for those who like a little spark.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Fluffy rice acts as the foundation, soaking up all that incredible sauce.
- Sesame seeds: For a toasty crunch and pretty finish.
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkle on top for color, freshness, and a mild bite.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, and let it sizzle until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Be patient and allow the beef to develop little bits of caramelization, which bring extra depth. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter final dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once your beef is just about ready, add the minced garlic and grated ginger right into the skillet. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about a minute, just until the kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma. This step ensures your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl has fantastic depth and fresh zing in every single bite.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for a bit of heat). Mix that cornstarch with water to make a quick slurry, then stir it in. Let the sauce simmer, bubbling gently for a couple of minutes until it thickens up to a glossy, gorgeous coat that clings to the beef.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the beef is soaking up that sauce, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until they’re just tender but still bright green—about three to four minutes usually does the trick. The key here is keeping the broccoli vibrant and just-crisp to contrast beautifully with the savory beef.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Broccoli
Gently stir the steamed broccoli into the saucy beef mixture. Let everything mingle over the heat for another minute so the flavors really come together and the broccoli is warmed through, but not overcooked.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice and Garnish
Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over warm rice in bowls. Scatter with sesame seeds and a shower of chopped green onions for color, crunch, and that extra bit of freshness. Time to dig in to your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl!
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl
Garnishes
Finish each Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and plenty of sliced green onions. These simple touches add both flavor and a lovely visual pop that makes each bowl look as amazing as it tastes. A drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce or a crack of black pepper is delicious, too!
Side Dishes
While this bowl is satisfying on its own, a side of steamed edamame, roasted snap peas, or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad pairs beautifully. If you want to round out the meal, a light miso soup or a few veggie spring rolls make wonderful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl “build-your-own” style for family or friends, with toppings like shredded carrots, chili sauce, or toasted nori. You can even serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option, or make meal-prep lunch boxes by portioning everything out ahead of time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl keeps well in the fridge for three to four days. Store the beef and broccoli mixture separately from the rice if possible to keep everything tasting freshest; just use airtight containers for both.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let everything cool completely first. Freeze the beef and broccoli sauce (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cook fresh rice or reheat frozen rice for best texture when serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the beef and broccoli combination in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce if the sauce has thickened up too much. Reheat the rice separately, then combine and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and is a convenient time-saver. Just steam or microwave it according to package instructions, and drain well to avoid watering down your sauce.
What substitutions can I make for the ground beef?
Feel free to swap ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “beef” crumbles if you’d like a lighter or vegetarian version. All of these options pair deliciously with the homemade teriyaki sauce!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes—Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is ideal for meal prepping. Portion into airtight containers with rice, store in the fridge, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready in seconds all week long.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
You sure can! Simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Double-check other labeled ingredients just to be certain.
How do I add more veggies to my bowl?
It’s easy to pack in extra vegetables—just toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas when you add the broccoli. This makes for a more colorful, nutrient-packed Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl every time.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is pure comfort in a bowl and so simple to make, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you stick to the recipe or customize it to suit your cravings, I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and enjoy a fast, flavorful dinner that’s always a hit.
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make Asian-inspired meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, and a savory teriyaki sauce, then combined with crisp broccoli florets and served over steamed rice. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Flavors: Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam or microwave broccoli until just tender, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Stir broccoli into the beef mixture and cook for another minute. Serve over warm rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Add shredded carrots or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Meal-preps well for 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
