These Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a fun and tasty meal! They combine flavorful ground beef with sweet teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice and your favorite veggies.
I love how quick they are to make—perfect for busy weeknights! Just stir-fry everything, and dinner is ready in a flash. Pair it with a side of smiles! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter dish.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown rice or quinoa works well for more fiber. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Carrots: If you don’t have fresh carrots, frozen ones can be a good alternative. You can also use bell peppers in a variety of colors, like orange or yellow, for fun.
Sauces: Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option. For a sweeter flavor, add a bit more brown sugar or honey to enhance the teriyaki sauce.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like snap peas or broccoli. Use what you have to customize this dish!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef can seem straightforward, but there are a few tricks to make sure it’s just right. Start on medium heat to ensure even browning.
- Break the meat apart for even cooking, and let it sit for a moment before stirring. This helps develop a nice brown color.
- Don’t rush to drain the fat immediately, as some adds flavor. Just try to keep the beef moist.
How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 25 minutes from start to finish making these delicious Teriyaki Rice Bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s nicely browned all over.
2. Add Flavorings:
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the beef. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until you can smell the fragrant garlic.
3. Mix in the Sauce:
Next, pour in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well, ensuring the sauce coats the beef uniformly. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend nicely.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the julienned carrots and diced red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender yet still have a bit of crunch to them.
5. Season and Serve:
Taste your stir-fry and add salt and pepper as needed to perfect the flavor. Once it’s seasoned to your liking, it’s time to serve! Spoon the beef mixture over a bed of cooked white rice.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off your dish by garnishing with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey is leaner than beef, so you might want to add a little extra oil while cooking to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Teriyaki Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce and a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. This mix will give you a similar flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Teriyaki Rice Bowls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or heat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and adjust the cooking time as necessary to keep them tender-crisp!
