If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels so comforting yet packs a punch of flavor, the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe will soon become your go-to. This dish brilliantly combines tender, savory ground beef with crisp-tender broccoli florets, all smothered in a luscious teriyaki glaze that’s both sweet and savory. The balance of textures and the vibrant umami kick from the sauce make it incredibly satisfying without the fuss. Plus, the addition of a quick, creamy spicy mayo on the side gives it just the right zing to keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor at every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From fresh broccoli to fragrant ginger, these basics come together in harmony to create that irresistible teriyaki sensation.
- Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons, divided): Essential for sautéing the broccoli and browning the beef, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Broccoli Florets (12 oz): Provides a crunchy contrast and a vibrant green hue that brightens the bowl and adds nutrition.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The hearty protein base offering savory depth and satisfying chew.
- Ginger, minced (1″ piece, optional): Brings a warm, aromatic freshness that complements the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves, optional): Adds a punch of savory flavor that wakes up the entire dish.
- Teriyaki Sauce (1 cup): The star of the show, delivering sweet and salty richness that ties everything together.
- Light Mayo (1/4 cup / 60g): Used to create a creamy, tangy accompaniment that balances the teriyaki’s sweetness.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (1 1/2 Tablespoons / 23g): Injects a spicy kick into the mayo sauce for a little heat and complexity.
- Honey (1 Tablespoon / 21g): Adds natural sweetness to both the teriyaki and the mayo sauce for harmony.
- Rice Vinegar (1 Tablespoon / 15g): Provides acidity that brightens flavors and cuts through richness.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances garlic flavor in the mayo sauce without overpowering.
- Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Serves as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce and juices.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty aroma as a finishing touch.
- Scallions, thinly sliced: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor plus a pop of green color.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce
Start by blending the light mayo, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy condiment will add a delightful tangy layer to your meal and is perfect for drizzling or dipping once everything else is ready. Set it aside to let the flavors meld while you cook the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and resist the urge to stir for the first 2-3 minutes, allowing one side to get slightly charred. This caramelization amps up the broccoli’s natural sweetness and smoky notes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer the broccoli into a bowl and set aside to keep their fresh texture intact.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet, add half a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the ground beef in the pan and let it brown on one side before breaking it apart. This helps develop a deeper, beefy flavor and creates those little browned bits that make the dish irresistible. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Create a small well in the center of the beef and add the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil along with the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté these aromatics for 30 to 60 seconds until they release their fragrant, mouthwatering aroma. Mixing them into the beef now helps infuse every bite with warmth and spice.
Step 5: Pour in the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the entire cup of teriyaki sauce over the beef mixture. Stir everything together and cook it for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats the beef beautifully. The sauce will cling to every morsel, delivering that signature sweet-savory flavor in each forkful.
Step 6: Combine with Broccoli and Finish
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Turn off the heat, making sure the beef and broccoli are evenly coated in the luscious teriyaki goodness. This step is where everything comes together — fresh, tender, and coated in sauce, ready to bring your taste buds alive.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli mixture over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy cauliflower rice to keep it light or hearty as you prefer. Don’t forget to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions over the top for texture and a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of toasted sesame seeds offers a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the saucy beef and broccoli. Thinly sliced scallions add a vibrant touch of green and a mild oniony zip. For a refreshing pop, a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe shines on its own when served over rice, but you can pair it with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or even noodles for a comforting twist. A simple cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies on the side will add a crisp, cool contrast to the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the beef and broccoli over rice in individual bowls and offer the spicy mayo sauce in a small ramekin on the side. You can also build this into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld meal. If hosting, serve in a beautiful shallow dish garnished with sesame seeds and scallions to invite everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers of this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps its flavor well, though the broccoli may soften slightly. For best texture, reheat gently and add a fresh sprinkle of scallions before serving.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely if you want to prepare meals in advance. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months. When freezing, keeping the rice separate is recommended to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover teriyaki beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To restore some crispness to the broccoli, avoid overheating. If needed, add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep the dish saucy and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and still provide great flavor when paired with the teriyaki sauce and broccoli.
Is this dish spicy?
The base Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe itself is mild, but the spicy mayo sauce offers an optional kick. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use a vegetarian teriyaki sauce to keep it fully meat-free.
What’s the best way to get that char on the broccoli?
Cook the broccoli in a hot skillet without stirring for a few minutes to let one side develop a beautiful, slightly smoky char. This caramelization adds a delicious depth to the dish.
How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce if it’s too runny?
Simply simmer the sauce a bit longer while stirring to reduce it and concentrate the flavors, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to help it thicken quickly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about the Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe that makes it feel like a cozy dinner hug on a plate. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress anyone you’re serving. Give this recipe a try and enjoy how easy it is to create such a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation before you know it!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy ground beef is cooked with aromatic ginger and garlic, then coated in a rich teriyaki sauce and combined with tender-crisp broccoli. Finished with a spicy mayo accompaniment and garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors served over rice or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
- 12 oz Broccoli Florets
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1″ piece Ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60g) Light Mayo
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon (23g) Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon (21g) Honey
- 1 Tablespoon (15g) Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
To Serve & Garnish
- Rice or Cauliflower Rice
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the light mayo, sriracha or chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside to use as a spicy and tangy accompaniment.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and transfer to a bowl; set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In the same skillet, add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook on one side until browned before breaking it apart. Continue cooking until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Create a small well in the center of the cooked beef. Pour in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, then add the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together with the beef.
- Add teriyaki sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks nicely to the beef.
- Combine with broccoli and finish: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and stir well to incorporate. Turn off the heat, ensuring everything is evenly mixed and coated with sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the teriyaki beef and broccoli mixture over warmed rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- The ginger and garlic are optional but add wonderful aroma and flavor; feel free to omit if unavailable.
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Adjust the sriracha amount in the mayo sauce to control spiciness.
- Make sure to slightly char the broccoli for added texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice.
