I recently tried this Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe, and honestly, it quickly became one of my favorite weeknight meals. The flavors are rich and comforting, yet it’s surprisingly quick to make. I love how versatile it is—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand.

Making this dish felt effortless, yet it tasted like it came from a restaurant. After preparing it a few times, I figured out some little tricks that make it even better. If you enjoy sweet-savory dishes, you might also like the Garlic Brown Sugar Lamb Ribs Recipe for another rich and flavorful option.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful stir fry. I’ll share a few tips on why these ingredients work best.

1 pound ground beef – I like using 80/20 for a juicy texture, but leaner options work too.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
1 cup broccoli florets – fresh is best; frozen broccoli can release too much water.
1 red bell pepper, sliced – adds sweetness and color.
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced – thin slices cook quickly and retain crunch.
2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives a sharper, more aromatic flavor. You can see a similar approach to garlic in the Garlic Brown Sugar Lamb Ribs Recipe.
1 teaspoon ginger, minced – enhances the teriyaki sauce with warmth.
1/4 cup soy sauce – use low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – balances the saltiness of soy sauce.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar – adds a slight tang for depth.
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – thickens the sauce perfectly.
2 green onions, sliced – for garnish and a mild oniony flavor.
Sesame seeds, optional – for a nutty crunch.

Note: several servings

Variations

You can tweak this recipe to suit dietary preferences or flavor profiles:

Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Sugar-free: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or honey.
Veggie-packed: Swap in zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe will take from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

A few tools make this stir fry simple:

Large skillet or wok – for even cooking and stir-frying.
Cutting board – for prepping vegetables safely.
Sharp knife – for quick and precise chopping.
Measuring cups and spoons – ensures accurate sauce ratios.
Spatula – to stir and scramble the beef efficiently.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop all your vegetables and mince garlic and ginger. I like to have everything ready so I can stir-fry without stopping. It makes the process smooth and less stressful.

Cook the Ground Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.

Sauté Vegetables

Add garlic, ginger, broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp. I like keeping the veggies slightly crunchy—it adds texture.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Pour it over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken in about a minute, coating everything evenly.

Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. I usually give it a final stir to make sure every bite has some sauce. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Based on my experience, here’s how I make this dish even tastier:

I always use fresh garlic and ginger—it makes a huge difference in aroma.
Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should stay slightly crisp.
I like adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra flavor.
Using a wok instead of a pan gives better heat distribution.
I often double the sauce—it keeps leftovers saucy and delicious.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Serving this stir fry can be as simple or fancy as you like:

Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option.
Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for color and spice.
Plate it in a shallow bowl for an Instagram-worthy presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition per serving (approximate):

Calories: 350–400 kcal – perfect for a balanced weeknight meal.
Protein: 25–28 g – thanks to the ground beef.
Carbohydrates: 18–20 g – mostly from vegetables and the sauce.
Fat: 18–20 g – primarily from the beef and oil used for cooking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. I usually separate the rice and stir fry for freshness.

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months. I recommend freezing without rice—it reheats better.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. I add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickened in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this ground beef teriyaki stir fry is a must-try:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Versatile: You can swap veggies or protein to suit your pantry.
Flavorful: Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy all in one bite.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love it alike.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to taste.

This recipe is a total winner for weeknights or meal prep because it’s flavorful, simple, and flexible.

Ash Tyrrell