If you’re searching for a dish that brings incredible flavor, wholesome ingredients, and effortless meal prep all in one, you’ve got to try this Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe. It perfectly balances savory ground beef with a luscious teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little bit garlicky, making it a consistent crowd-pleaser. This recipe is as vibrant with fresh veggies as it is satisfying with protein, creating a colorful, nutrition-packed meal that keeps well for busy days ahead. Whether you’re cooking for the week or just craving a comforting bowl of goodness, this is one recipe you’ll want to save and repeat again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each adds a crucial note—whether it’s flavor, texture, or color—that comes together to make this dish exciting and well-rounded.
- Ground beef: Use fresh ground beef for a rich, hearty base that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone that brings authentic teriyaki flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and the perfect hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic punch that invites your taste buds to wake up.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds a subtle zing and freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity, lifting the flavors.
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
- Water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for thickening.
- Sesame oil: Introduces a toasty note that’s signature to many Asian dishes.
- Small onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and texture.
- Red bell pepper, diced: Adds vibrant color and a mild, natural sweetness.
- Broccoli florets: Provides crunch and a healthy dose of green goodness.
- Sesame seeds: For a beautiful finishing touch and added nuttiness.
- Green onions, chopped: Offers freshness and a gentle oniony bite.
- Cooked rice: The perfect canvas to soak up every bit of that luscious teriyaki sauce.
How to Make Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until the sugar completely dissolves. This mixture is where all the layers of flavor begin to build, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
Step 2: Mix the Thickening Agent
In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until it forms a smooth slurry. This step is key to getting that beautiful glossy sauce that clings to every bite of beef and veggie.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Red Bell Pepper
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, releasing their natural sweetness that complements the sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Broccoli
Next, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still vibrant and crisp, adding a fresh burst of green color and a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Beef Mixture
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated with that delicious glaze.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up into a rich, glossy coating. This is the moment everything comes together wonderfully.
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These little extras bring added flavor, texture, and a beautiful finish that makes the dish feel complete.
Step 9: Serve or Store
Serve immediately over steaming cooked rice, or divide it into meal prep containers to have flavorful lunches ready to go throughout your busy week.
How to Serve Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions really elevates the dish with texture and vibrant pops of flavor. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing if you like some heat or acidity.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a filling base. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad to keep things fresh and bright alongside your warm teriyaki beef bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Swap out rice for hearty noodles like soba or udon to change up the texture and feel. Alternatively, use lettuce wraps to turn this into a light and fun finger food that’s perfect for gatherings or quick bites on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe stores like a dream in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making your next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to keep meals ready longer, you can freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the food completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to heat everything evenly without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative and works wonderfully with the teriyaki sauce, though the flavor might be slightly milder. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning to taste.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have allergies?
You can use coconut aminos as a soy-free substitute; it has a slightly sweeter and less salty profile but still provides that rich umami flavor essential to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or any veggies you love. Just keep the cooking times in mind so everything stays crisp and fresh.
How long does this meal prep stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for weekly meal planning.
Final Thoughts
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone wanting a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that keeps on giving throughout the week. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic flavors with a homemade touch and a healthy balance of ingredients. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite meal prep staple!
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Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring ground beef cooked with fresh vegetables in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weekdays, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal served over rice, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
To Serve
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Make the slurry: In another small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, mixing until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. The broccoli should turn a vibrant green and become tender-crisp.
- Add the teriyaki sauce: Pour the previously prepared soy sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Continue stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables nicely.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Immediately serve the teriyaki beef mixture over cooked rice, or portion into meal prep containers for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Vegetables can be substituted according to preference or seasonality, such as snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To add extra flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in some of the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to control the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
