These Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are quick to whip up and super tasty! Juicy beef is mixed with a sweet soy sauce, served over fluffy rice, and topped with fresh veggies.
Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. I love how easy it is—just brown the beef, mix in the sauce, and you’re ready to eat. What’s not to love? 🍚🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for healthier options, try ground turkey or chicken. Even plant-based ground meat works well as a substitute!
Rice: White rice is the classic base for this dish, but you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent for low-carb choices, too!
Red Bell Pepper: While red bell pepper adds sweetness, you can switch it up with green or yellow peppers, or use snap peas for a crunch. If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, try adding zucchini or broccoli instead.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger adds a great zing, but feel free to use ground ginger if that’s what you have. Likewise, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better for flavor.
How Do You Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef well is key for a tasty dish! It’s important to break it up nicely while cooking, so it browns evenly. Here are the steps:
- Heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant—about a minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
- Make sure to drain excess fat if necessary, to keep the dish balanced.
Following these steps will give you nicely browned beef that enhances the flavor of your rice bowls!
How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Flavorings:
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute, just until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it around until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with a little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to make it colorful! Toss in the diced red bell pepper and julienned carrots. Cook these together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce over the beef and veggies. Stir everything together until it’s well coated. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to make sure it’s all heated through and the flavors meld nicely.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
To serve, take a generous scoop of cooked white rice and place it in a bowl. Top it off with the delicious teriyaki ground beef mixture that you just cooked up.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Your Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are ready to be enjoyed! Dig in!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as leaner meats may cook faster!
What Can I Do If I Have Leftover Rice?
If you have leftover rice, you can use it directly in this recipe! Just make sure to reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms according to your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to make sure they cook to the desired tenderness.
