This simple dish features tasty ground beef and fresh broccoli, all coated in a sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
The yum yum sauce adds a fun twist that everyone loves. I love serving it over rice—it makes the meal even more satisfying, and let’s be honest, who can resist that yummy sauce? 
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Lean ground beef works best without excess grease. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based substitutes like lentils or beyond meat can be used.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets bring a nice crunch and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, frozen broccoli works too; just adjust the cooking time slightly since it’s already blanched.
Rice: White or brown rice adds a great base. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives if you’re avoiding grains or looking for a low-carb option.
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but you can make your own with soy sauce, honey, and a bit of garlic. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for classic teriyaki sauce.
Yum Yum Sauce: This creamy sauce is easy to tweak! If you want to lighten it up, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce.
How Do You Cook Broccoli Perfectly in This Dish?
Cooking broccoli just right is crucial for maintaining its color and crunch. You want it tender but not mushy! Here’s how to do it:
- After browning the ground beef, add the broccoli florets directly into the skillet.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce on top; this helps steam the broccoli as it cooks.
- Cover the pan for a few minutes; this retains steam and speeds up softening.
- Uncover and stir occasionally. Cook until bright green and just tender, about an additional 5-7 minutes.
Remember, if you prefer your broccoli with more crunch, check it a couple of minutes earlier!
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Water to thin the sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty dish of Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything well until smooth. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little water until you reach your desired consistency. Set this tasty sauce aside for later!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and crumbled. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it out.
3. Add the Broccoli and Sauce:
Now, stir in the broccoli florets. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and broccoli mix. Keep cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes tender and heated through. The colors should brighten up nicely!
4. Serve It Up:
To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked rice in each bowl. Then, spoon the delicious ground beef and broccoli mixture over the rice. Drizzle the Yum Yum sauce generously on top, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair!
5. Enjoy!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce. It’s a delightful meal that’s full of flavor!
Can I Substitute Another Protein for Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can easily switch out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just keep the cooking time similar until the meat is thoroughly cooked or until the tofu is slightly browned and heated through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu instead of ground beef. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and broccoli mixture (without the rice) for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in a skillet or microwave.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it directly to the skillet without thawing, and cook for an extra couple of minutes until heated through. This is a great time-saving option!
