There are evenings when I need something fast, filling, and totally comforting—and this Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry never lets me down.
The savory-sweet sauce clings to every bite of beef and veggie, and when paired with a bowl of fluffy rice or noodles, it becomes a weeknight hero.
It’s quick to make, full of color, and totally satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and family-friendly – Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Sweet and savory – The teriyaki sauce strikes the perfect balance.
One-pan magic – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Veggie-loaded – Bell peppers and broccoli add crunch and color.
Customizable – Use any vegetables or swap in ground turkey or chicken.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – Juicy and rich, the perfect base for stir-fry.
Bell peppers – Any color adds sweetness and crunch.
Broccoli florets – A healthy, vibrant touch.
Soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar – The trio behind the sweet-savory teriyaki flavor.
Cornstarch + water – Helps thicken the sauce to glossy perfection.
Sesame oil – Adds that nutty, aromatic finish.
Garlic and onion – Always the flavor foundation.
Cooked rice or noodles – The perfect base for soaking up the sauce.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Prep all ingredients before cooking—this dish moves fast.
Don’t overcook the veggies; keep them crisp-tender.
Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of sriracha.
Low on broccoli? Try snap peas or green beans instead.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Slice bell peppers into strips, cut broccoli into small florets, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
Set everything aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and sauté until soft.
Stir in garlic and ground beef.
Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Stir in the bell peppers and broccoli.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
Pour into the skillet and toss everything to coat.
Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and stir to combine.
Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Stir-fried noodles or lo mein
Side of miso soup or Asian slaw
Cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch
Variations / Substitutions
Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Add mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
This dish also freezes well—just cool completely and freeze in portions.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stores beautifully and the flavor deepens as it sits.
Is it spicy?
Not at all, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I use frozen veggies?
Absolutely. Just cook a bit longer to ensure they heat through.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine or short-grain white rice is perfect, but brown rice works too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a large enough skillet or cook in batches.
Do I have to use broccoli?
Nope! Try green beans, carrots, or bok choy instead.
Is this good for meal prep?
It’s great! Portion it out with rice and store for grab-and-go meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a stir-fry that hits all the notes—sweet, salty, savory, crunchy.
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry is not only quick and easy, but it also brings comfort and flavor to the table with every bite.
I come back to it again and again when I want a meal that delivers without fuss.
Teriyaki Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the bell peppers, cut broccoli, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ground beef.
- Cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli. Cook until vegetables are just tender.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour into skillet and stir well.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/teriyaki-ground-beef-stir-fry/
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep it lighter.
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra veggies.
