I absolutely love this Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowl recipe—it’s a staple in my family and one of those dishes I learned from my friend.
It’s simple, packed with flavor, and so satisfying. My kids especially love it, and we often have it for lunch or dinner when we’re craving something comforting yet quick.
The mix of sweet and savory flavors with tender ground beef and fluffy rice is just unbeatable.
What is Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowl?
A teriyaki ground beef rice bowl is a quick and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice.
The ground beef is typically cooked with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin or honey.
Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers are often added for extra nutrition and crunch. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a balanced meal with protein, grains, and veggies.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
Balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs
Sweet and savory teriyaki flavor that’s a hit with everyone
Customizable with your choice of vegetables
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
Affordable and uses simple ingredients
Great for leftovers or next-day lunches
Ingredients and Substitutes
Ground Beef: I usually use ground beef with 15% fat for flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works well, but brown rice or even quinoa can be used if you want a healthier base.
Teriyaki Sauce: You can make your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, but store-bought works great if you're short on time.
Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are my go-to veggies, but bell peppers or zucchini also make great additions.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger really elevate the flavor, but you can use garlic and ginger powder in a pinch.
Sesame Seeds: For garnish, they add a nice texture and nutty flavor. Toasted sesame seeds are even better!
Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor at the end, but they are optional.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef
1.Cook the Rice:
Start by cooking your rice. I love using jasmine rice for this recipe, but any kind works. Follow the package instructions for perfectly fluffy rice.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pan, cook the ground beef with ground ginger and garlic over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar or( honey),sesame oil and a splash of rice vinegar in a bowl.
4. Combine the Beef and Sauce:
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked beef and let it simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
In another pan, sauté your choice of vegetables in a little oil until they are crisp-tender.
6. Assemble:
Spoon some rice into a bowl, top it with the teriyaki beef, and add the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like.
Tips & Tricks
Make It Ahead-You can cook the ground beef and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and heat them up when ready to serve.
Use Frozen Veggies- If you're in a hurry, frozen vegetables are a great shortcut! Just toss them into the pan with a little oil.
Add Some Spice- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle some sriracha on top.
What Goes well with it?
This dish pairs well with steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, adding color and crunch to the meal.
A side of miso soup or a simple green salad complements the flavors perfectly, while pickled ginger or kimchi provides a tangy contrast.
For added texture, you can top the bowl with sesame seeds or green onions. To make the meal more filling, you could serve it alongside edamame or gyoza. For a spicy kick, a drizzle of sriracha or spicy mayo works great too.
How Long Is It Good For
Teriyaki ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can use either the microwave or stovetop:
Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Warm it on medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the sauce's consistency.
Simmer for a few minutes until heated through and the sauce has thickened again.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and serve with fresh rice and veggies.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! The ground beef freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat it on the stove with a bit of water to refresh the sauce.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowl?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of miso soup, steamed dumplings, or a simple salad.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and check that any other sauces you use are also gluten-free.
What other veggies can I use?
Bell peppers, zucchini, snow peas, and spinach are great options. You can use whatever you have on hand!
Prep Time: 7 minsCook Time: 15 minsTotal Time: 22 mins
Servings4
Calories450
Best Season
Suitable throughout the year
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Beef Rice Bowl is a simple, satisfying meal that combines tender ground beef coated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce with fluffy rice and fresh veggies. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights and is always a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
1lb/450g Ground beef
1tbsp oil (if using lean beef)
1tsp garlic (minced)
1tsp ginger (minced)
1/4cup soy sauce (low sodium or gluten-free tamari)