Name: Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a flavorful and quick dinner idea that combines tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy evenings when I need something delicious on the table fast. Served over rice, it’s comforting, protein-packed, and versatile enough to fit whatever I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 small onion, diced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

1/2 cup shredded carrots

3 green onions, chopped

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 cup water

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Directions

I start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl, then set it aside.

In a large skillet or wok, I heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.

I add the ground beef and cook it for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.

Once browned, I drain any excess fat if needed and stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. I let that cook for about 2 minutes.

Then I toss in the red bell pepper, broccoli, and shredded carrots. I stir-fry everything for 5–7 minutes until the veggies are just tender.

I pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce, stir to coat, and bring it to a simmer. It usually takes about 2–3 minutes for the sauce to thicken.

Finally, I stir in the chopped green onions, take the pan off the heat, and sprinkle everything with sesame seeds.

I serve it hot, often over rice for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

For a vegetarian version, I like using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

If I want extra heat, I stir in a spoonful of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

I change up the vegetables with snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on what I have on hand.

For a gluten-free version, I make sure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much after storing, I just add a splash of water to loosen it up while reheating. It also freezes well—I portion it out, freeze it, and reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

Yes, I sometimes use frozen stir-fry veggie mixes when I’m short on time. I just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any excess moisture so the stir-fry doesn’t get watery.

What’s the best rice to serve with this stir-fry?

I usually serve it with jasmine or basmati rice, but it also pairs great with brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. I often cook it ahead for meal prep. I just let it cool and divide it into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during the week.

How do I keep the vegetables from getting too soft?

To keep the veggies crisp-tender, I stir-fry them on high heat and make sure not to overcook them. I also cut them into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s more sweet and savory. But I can easily make it spicy by adding some chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for the family or prepping meals ahead of time, it always hits the spot. I love how customizable it is—and how quickly it disappears from the table.

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