Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

I absolutely love this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe because it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and special without requiring a ton of prep. The balance of savory ground beef, slightly charred broccoli, and that luscious teriyaki sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen every time. You’ll find that it’s a quick recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, perfect when you want something comforting yet fresh.

When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how easily the flavors come together, especially when you add that little kick from the ginger and garlic. It’s especially great for busy nights or casual get-togethers, and it’s flexible enough to customize however you like. If you’re searching for a hearty meal that feels homemade but takes only about 30 minutes, this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe will quickly become a go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work beautifully together to give you a rich, saucy dish with contrasting textures — tender ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli. When shopping, choose fresh broccoli with tight, dark green florets, and for the ground beef, I recommend a lean to medium-fat ratio for juicy results without too much grease.

• Olive Oil: Helps with searing the broccoli and browning the beef without overpowering the flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: The star veggie here, bringing crunch and nutrients to every bite.
• Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein; I use 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and moisture.
• Ginger (minced): Optional but highly recommended for that subtle zing and warmth.
• Garlic (minced): Adds depth and aroma, an essential flavor enhancer.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The soul of the dish, choose a quality bottled sauce or make your own for extra control.
• Light Mayo: For the sauce, it brings creaminess and balances the heat.
• Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to brighten the creamy sauce.
• Honey: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the tang and spice.
• Rice Vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a little acidity.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers extra garlic punch to the sauce.
• Rice or Cauliflower Rice: For serving — I love cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Great for garnish and a bit of nuttiness.
• Scallions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, crunchy topping.

Variations

I love playing around with this Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge and my mood. Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs — this recipe is very forgiving and still delicious.

• Protein Swap: I’ve tried ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version that still soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Veggie Boost: Mixed bell peppers or snap peas add vibrant color and freshness when I want more crunch.
• Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha amount or add red pepper flakes to dial the heat up or down to your liking.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based ground beef alternatives and swap mayo for vegan mayo — still tasty!

How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Char the Broccoli Perfectly

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pop in the broccoli florets, and here’s my tip: leave them untouched for 2-3 minutes to get a nice char on one side — that smoky flavor is a game changer. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside while you move on to the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add half a tablespoon of olive oil and then the ground beef. Let it brown on one side without stirring right away — this helps develop flavor and texture. Then break it apart and cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary for a leaner dish.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Build Flavor

Create a little well in the center of the beef in the pan, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Cook just 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant — be careful here, garlic burns quickly and turns bitter! Stir everything together so the aromatics infuse into the beef evenly.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Finish

Pour in your teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and stick to the beef nicely. Then, gently fold the charred broccoli back in and turn off the heat. Give it a final stir to mix everything together perfectly — that’s it!

Serve this over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and don’t forget the garnishes for that extra “wow” factor.

How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and plenty of thinly sliced scallions. These add a nutty crunch and a fresh bite that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of extra sriracha or a squeeze of lime for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

For sides, steamed jasmine or brown rice works beautifully, soaking up that delicious sauce. When I want to keep things light, I serve it over cauliflower rice or even alongside some simple miso soup and pickled vegetables for a full Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner presentation, I like to serve the beef and broccoli in small bowls over rice, then let everyone add scallions and sesame seeds themselves — it feels interactive and fresh. For special occasions, arranging it on a platter with thinly sliced red chili and cilantro adds a gorgeous pop of color that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store them uncovered in the fridge for about 20 minutes to cool (to avoid sogginess), then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well up to 3-4 days. Just keep the rice separate if possible — it lasts better on its own.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good results. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers after it’s completely cooled. When thawed, the texture of broccoli softens a bit but the flavors remain delicious — great for easy meal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you want to freshen it up, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the broccoli mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe really feels like a warm hug in a bowl for me. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to impress when friends drop by unexpectedly. I think you’ll enjoy how versatile and forgiving it is — plus, it’s a great way to enjoy that classic teriyaki flavor without fuss. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!

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