Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef: My Weeknight Lifesaver! (Print Version)

Whip up this Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef recipe in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a family favorite that always hits the spot. So simple, so tasty!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 small yellow onion, chopped

→ Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

03 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
09 - 1/4 cup water

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
11 - 2 green onions, sliced
12 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest skillet and get it heating over medium-high. Toss in your lean ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, really get in there and crumble it. You're looking for that beautiful golden-brown color, no pink bits allowed! This is where all the flavor starts to build, so don't rush it. I can already smell that savory beefiness filling the kitchen, a promise of good things to come. Drain any excess fat, because we want flavor, not grease, right?
02 - Once your beef is browned and the fat's drained, it's time for the onion. Reduce the heat a touch, then toss in your chopped yellow onion. Sauté it, stirring occasionally, until it gets all soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. It's going to sweeten up and mingle with those beefy bits. Honestly, I sometimes sneak a little taste of the softened onion here; it's just so good! Don't let it burn, though; we're aiming for sweet, not bitter.
03 - While your onion is doing its thing, grab a small bowl. This is where the real magic happens for our Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef! Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and water. Stir it until the sugar is dissolved and there are no lumps from the cornstarch. You want a smooth, slightly cloudy mixture. I always give it a little sniff; that sweet, tangy aroma is just irresistible. This step is key for that glossy, delicious sauce!
04 - Now, pour that beautiful teriyaki sauce mixture right over the beef and onions in your skillet. Stir it all together so every single piece of beef and onion is coated in that glorious sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and watch as it starts to thicken. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The smell is going to be incredible – sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy. Don't walk away now; you want to make sure it thickens evenly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Once the sauce has thickened to your liking – I like it nice and glossy, clinging to the beef – remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle in a touch of sesame oil for that extra nutty depth; honestly, it makes a huge difference! Give it one last stir. Taste it, adjust if needed (maybe a tiny pinch more salt or a splash more soy sauce, depending on your preference). This is where you make it truly *yours*. It should look rich and inviting, ready to be devoured.
06 - Dish out your amazing Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef over fluffy rice, or whatever you fancy. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This isn't just for looks, hon; the fresh green onions add a lovely crunch and a mild oniony kick, while the sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty texture. Take a moment to admire your handiwork – it looks fantastic, smells heavenly, and tastes even better. Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; it steams instead of browns, and you lose that delicious crust.
02 - Always whisk the cornstarch into cold liquid first to avoid lumps in your sauce – I learned that the hard way, trust me!
03 - Fresh ginger and garlic make a world of difference in this Easy Teriyaki Ground Beef; jarred just doesn't cut it for that vibrant flavor.
04 - Serving it over fluffy white rice with a side of steamed broccoli is my absolute favorite way to enjoy this comfort food.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - whisk
03 - small bowl

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g

Back