This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry combines savory, sweet flavors with tender beef and crisp broccoli. It’s a perfect balance of taste and texture, making it a family-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone.
The dish is also incredibly versatile—whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, it’s a quick and satisfying meal. Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions gives it an extra touch of flavor and freshness. Ideal for a busy weeknight or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and delivers on both taste and nutrition.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornstarch mixture)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add it to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
When it comes to quick and flavorful meals, Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is a standout dish that checks all the boxes. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with tender ground beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or just a new recipe to add to your culinary rotation, this dish is a great choice. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and why it should be a staple in your kitchen.
Why Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the biggest reasons Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is ideal for busy weeknights is its simplicity and speed. With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this dish can be on your table in no time. It uses minimal ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making it a go-to for those days when you want to avoid complicated recipes. The combination of ground beef and broccoli is not only hearty and satisfying, but it’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor.
Another reason this dish is perfect for busy families is its versatility. You can serve it on its own or pair it with rice, noodles, or even a cauliflower rice substitute for a low-carb option. You can also adjust the flavor profile by adding more or less teriyaki sauce, depending on your taste preferences. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking while still maintaining its signature savory-sweet flavor.
The Benefits of Ground Beef in Your Diet
Ground beef is a popular protein source in many households, and for good reason. Not only is it affordable and easy to cook, but it also provides a significant amount of nutrients. Ground beef is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as supporting overall muscle growth. It also contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which play vital roles in maintaining a healthy body.
Additionally, ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and spaghetti to meatballs and stir-fries. By using lean ground beef in this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe, you can reduce the amount of saturated fat while still getting the protein your body needs.
The Role of Broccoli: A Nutrient-Packed Vegetable
Broccoli is often hailed as one of the healthiest vegetables due to its high nutritional value. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, broccoli is an excellent addition to any meal. It’s particularly rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, as well as vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. Broccoli is also a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
In this recipe, broccoli not only adds a burst of color and texture but also enhances the overall health benefits of the dish. The slight crunch of the broccoli pairs perfectly with the tender ground beef, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Additionally, the mild flavor of broccoli allows the teriyaki sauce to shine without overpowering the dish.
The Sweet and Savory Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce in this recipe is what ties everything together. It brings a rich, umami flavor that enhances the natural flavors of both the ground beef and the broccoli. Traditional teriyaki sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, which creates that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory. The sweetness from the brown sugar helps to caramelize the beef, while the soy sauce adds depth and richness to the sauce.
What makes this dish even more special is the optional thickening of the sauce. By adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water, you can achieve a glossy, thicker sauce that clings to the beef and broccoli, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. This step is optional, but it can elevate the texture of the dish, making it even more satisfying.
How to Customize Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While the basic combination of ground beef and broccoli in teriyaki sauce is delicious on its own, you can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ways you can make this recipe your own:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Not only will this boost the nutritional value, but it will also add more texture and flavor to the dish.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. The heat from the chili will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce, creating a spicy-sweet sensation in every bite.
- Switch Up the Protein: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and seasonings accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas to make the meal even more satisfying:
- With Rice: Serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a traditional and filling meal. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- With Noodles: For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry over cooked noodles, such as soba noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for an easy fusion dish.
- As a Meal Prep Option: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you can easily reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just make sure to store the rice or noodles separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it’s a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile meal that can be tailored to suit your preferences. With its combination of tender ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this meal is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can add more vegetables, spice it up, or substitute the protein—each variation will bring something new to the table. Plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to make an impression at any family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a new go-to recipe for your meal prep, Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli is a dish that delivers on both flavor and convenience.
This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. So, next time you’re looking for a quick yet delicious dish, give this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli a try—you won’t regret it!