These Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a tasty twist on dinner! Packed with juicy ground beef and a sweet teriyaki sauce, they’re simple to whip up and super satisfying.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of comfort food? I like to top mine with fresh greens and sesame seeds for that extra touch. It’s a hit with my family every time! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. You can swap it out for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option, or try a plant-based ground meat for a veggie twist.
Rice: White rice is standard, but feel free to use brown rice for added nutrition. Quinoa is another great alternative that adds a nutty flavor and more protein.
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but green or yellow peppers work too. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, try using a jalapeño pepper. For a milder flavor, zucchini can also be a good substitute.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought works fine, but homemade teriyaki sauce can elevate the dish. You can substitute with soy sauce mixed with honey or maple syrup if you don’t have teriyaki sauce on hand.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a beautiful aroma. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil; just note the flavor will change a bit. Toasted sesame oil has great flavor and is worth considering if available.
How Do You Sauté Garlic and Ginger Without Burning Them?
Sautéing garlic and ginger adds depth to your dish, but it can be tricky since they can burn quickly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and ginger together. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds.
- Watch closely for browning. If they start to brown too fast, lower the heat.
- Remove them promptly and continue quickly with the next steps as this will prevent them from burning.
This quick method ensures you get that yummy aromatics without the bitter burnt taste that can come from overcooking.
How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. With simple steps and quick cooking, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
First, prepare your white rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, set it aside while you work on the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This step adds a nice flavor base to your dish!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned all over. Don’t forget to season it with a pinch of salt and pepper while it’s cooking!
4. Add Vegetables:
Once your beef is nicely browned, it’s time to add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrot. Stir them into the beef and let everything cook together for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Mmm, smells good already!
5. Add Teriyaki Sauce:
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and vegetable mix. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbly. Delicious!
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Now comes the fun part! Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Then, scoop the savory beef teriyaki mixture on top of the rice. Look at that colorful presentation!
7. Garnish:
To finish, sprinkle each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a lovely crunch and freshness to your meal!
8. Serve:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls while they’re hot! Each bite is packed with flavor and goodness. Happy eating!
Can I Use A Different Protein Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; for chicken or turkey, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. You can also sautĂ© some sliced jalapeños with the garlic and ginger at the start for extra heat!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ground beef teriyaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the rice in advance. Just assemble and heat everything up when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal!
