If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish, this Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the savory richness of ground beef with the sweet and tangy notes of homemade teriyaki sauce, plus vibrant veggies and fluffy rice, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or impressing friends with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation, thanks to its amazing balance of taste, texture, and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to capturing the authentic teriyaki flavor while keeping the dish wholesome and colorful. Each one plays an important role, from building the sauce’s perfect glaze to adding crunch and freshness to every bite.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a lovely crunch and vibrant green color for a nutrient boost.
- Julienned carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a bright orange pop.
- Garlic, minced: Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Gives that characteristic zing that brightens the entire dish.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Creates the salty umami backbone without overpowering the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory with its mellow sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients and achieves the right consistency.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up all those mouthwatering flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch that takes presentation and flavor up a notch.
- Green onions, chopped (optional): Freshens the dish with a sharp, herbaceous hint.
How to Make Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about a minute until their fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. This step is essential because it lays the groundwork for that signature teriyaki flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook it thoroughly until no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy while still retaining its juicy texture.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Time to toss in the broccoli florets and julienned carrots. Let them cook alongside the beef for about five minutes, giving the veggies just enough time to soften slightly while preserving that satisfying crunch everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This sauce is the magic touch that will coat the beef and veggies with a luscious, glossy finish.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir thoroughly and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully as it clings to each ingredient, infusing the dish with that irresistible teriyaki glaze.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice
Spoon the savory beef and veggie mixture generously over a bed of fluffy cooked white rice. This classic pairing is comforting, filling, and perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Not only do they enhance flavor and texture, but they also make the dish look invitingly beautiful on your plate.
How to Serve Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
The little finishing touches can make a big difference. Adding sesame seeds provides a nutty crunch while fresh green onions introduce a crisp, slightly spicy element. Both elevate the dish visually and taste-wise, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is a full meal on its own, pairing it with simple steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or a fresh Asian-style slaw can round out the meal with additional textures and refreshing flavors. These sides keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz up your meal prep, try layering the teriyaki ground beef and veggies in mason jars over rice for grab-and-go lunches. Alternatively, serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist, or invite guests to make their own bowls with an array of toppings like avocado slices, shredded carrots, or crushed peanuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish’s texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover teriyaki beef and veggies gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or a bit of extra soy sauce while reheating helps refresh the sauce and keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative and still absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time since poultry cooks a bit faster than beef.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce brand. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to customize your veggies based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms are all fantastic additions that complement the flavors wonderfully.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe isn’t spicy at all, making it perfect for all taste preferences. If you like some heat, you can always toss in crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha when serving.
What’s the best rice to use?
White rice is classic for this dish, but brown rice or jasmine rice are also excellent choices if you want more fiber or fragrant aromas. Just cook the rice according to package instructions before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe is a fantastic mix of ease, flavor, and nutrition that will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or lunch prep staples. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh makes every bite a joy, and the ability to customize means you can keep it exciting every time. Give it a try and watch it become a true mealtime hero in your kitchen!
Print
Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki is a quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with fresh garlic and ginger, then combined with broccoli and carrots in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Served over fluffy white rice and optionally garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Serving
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned throughout. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the broccoli florets and julienned carrots. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth and fully combined.
- Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that clings to the ingredients.
- Serve: Plate the teriyaki beef and vegetable mixture over cooked white rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. The dish can be stored safely for up to 4 days for convenient meal prepping.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- To make it gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil during the sautéing step.
- You can customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms as desired.
- Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in water before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
