Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying dinner that merges punchy flavors with wholesome ingredients, the Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is your new weeknight winner. This recipe brings together sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, tender-crisp broccoli, and juicy ground beef all served over fluffy rice. This dish is as colorful as it is flavor-packed, and thanks to minimal prep and familiar pantry staples, you’ll have dinner on the table in less than half an hour. The Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl isn’t just easy; it’s also endlessly customizable and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essentials, you can build deep flavor and a bowl full of satisfying textures. Each ingredient truly matters here—whether for the sticky-sweet sauce, the hint of heat, or that perfect finishing crunch.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 90% lean or higher for optimal tenderness and easy draining; ground turkey or chicken are tasty swaps.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures even browning of the beef and helps sauté your aromatics without sticking.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a crisp-tender bite and vibrant color; chop evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Freshly minced garlic boosts the teriyaki flavor base and brings mouthwatering aroma.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of your teriyaki—go low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Water: Thins out the sauce just enough to coat every ingredient evenly.
- Brown sugar: Gives your sauce that signature glossy sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances the rich meat with a subtle tang.
- Cornstarch: This secret thickening agent makes the sauce cling to every bite beautifully.
- Fresh grated ginger: A pop of warm spice and fragrance that truly elevates the teriyaki profile.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds gentle heat—skip or increase to fit your spice comfort zone.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The classic base for soaking up all that saucy goodness; feel free to sub with cauliflower rice.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (optional): Layer on freshness and crunch right before serving for extra appeal.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
Grab a small bowl and combine the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, fresh grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Whisk everything until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture looks glossy and smooth. Set this aside—your flavorful sauce is ready to go when you need it.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it into crumbles as it cooks. In about five minutes, the beef should be fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease so things stay light and saucy.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
To the cooked beef, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. This quick step wakes up the aromatics, infusing every bite of your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl with irresistible flavor. Don’t let the garlic linger too long or it might burn and turn bitter.
Step 4: Add Broccoli Florets
Toss in your broccoli florets, stirring them into the beef and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and becomes just slightly tender. If your florets are especially big or you like them super soft, you can steam them briefly before adding.
Step 5: Pour in the Sauce & Simmer
Give your sauce mixture another whisk, then pour it over everything in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and stir to coat all the beef and broccoli in that delicious teriyaki glaze. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens and glistens. The aroma at this point is utterly tempting.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Spoon the saucy beef and broccoli mixture over bowls of warm cooked rice. Finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Now, dive in and enjoy a bowlful of comfort!
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches: a few sliced green onions add both color and a gentle bite, while sesame seeds give that classic, nutty crunch. A drizzle of sriracha or an extra shake of red pepper flakes can jazz things up for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl stands proudly on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with cool cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a side of miso soup. If you’re craving extra veggies, a medley of snap peas or carrots would also be delicious alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation up a notch by serving your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl in wide, shallow bowls or even bento-style lunch boxes for an elevated feel. For a low-carb dinner, swap the rice for cauliflower rice and top each portion with a jammy soft-boiled egg. Little touches, like a sprinkle of black sesame seeds, can transform this everyday meal into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh, saucy, and satisfying for up to three days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl components. Cool the beef and broccoli mixture completely, pack it into freezer-safe containers (leave the rice separate for best texture), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for an easy heat-and-eat meal.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat the beef and broccoli mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steamy hot. Serve freshly warmed over rice for a bowl that tastes just-cooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the broccoli first or add it directly to the pan and adjust cooking time as needed. The texture will be slightly softer, but it’ll still work great in your Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl.
What kind of rice works best for this bowl?
Both white and brown rice are classic choices for a Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl, but you can use jasmine or even cauliflower rice for a change. The rice absorbs all that savory-sweet sauce perfectly.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Make sure your other sauce ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe, delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl.
Can I meal prep this for lunches?
This bowl is fantastic for meal prep. Prepare everything ahead, pack into individual containers with rice on the bottom and beef-broccoli mix on top, and refrigerate until you’re ready to reheat and enjoy.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Boost the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes in the sauce, serving with sliced fresh chilies, or adding a drizzle of hot sauce right before serving. The Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl loves a little kick!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the rich, homemade flavors in a Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl. It’s quick, craveable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Give this recipe a try and let it earn a spot in your dinner rotation—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef & Broccoli Bowl is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef and vibrant broccoli are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Bowl:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Vegetables: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and broccoli. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If broccoli florets are large, steam them briefly before adding to the skillet for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with rice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1060 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
