Do Share Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe | Quick & Flavorful

I have to admit, the first time I made this easy ground beef teriyaki stir fry, I was hooked instantly. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and that sweet-savory teriyaki sauce is pure comfort food. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet feels fancy enough to serve to guests.

I love how quickly it comes together, and it’s perfect for meal prepping too. After trying it, I found myself making it almost every week! If you enjoy recipes with wholesome ingredients, you might also love the One-Pot Chicken and Vegetables Skillet Recipe.

Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious stir fry. I’ve added little tips to make it even better.

sesame oil – 1 tablespoon, preferred for authentic stir fry flavor; olive oil works if needed.
ground beef – 1 pound, I like lean ground sirloin for rich flavor without excess grease.
broccoli florets – 2 cups, fresh is best for crunch; chop into small florets for even cooking.
shredded carrots – 1 cup, store-bought works great for convenience and cooks quickly.
salt and pepper – to taste, keep in mind soy sauce adds saltiness.
green onions – 2, thinly sliced; swap with yellow onions if you prefer a stronger flavor.
beef broth – 1/4 cup, adds natural richness; water works in a pinch.
soy sauce – 1/4 cup, low sodium preferred; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
brown sugar – 2 tablespoons, light or dark, adds depth to the sauce.
honey – 1 tablespoon, balances savory flavors.
fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon, minced for bright, aromatic flavor.
garlic cloves – 2, minced; garlic powder is okay as a backup.
corn starch – 1 tablespoon, for thickening the sauce.
orange zest – 1 teaspoon, optional but highly recommended for a citrusy kick.
red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon, adjust for desired spice level.

Note: several serving

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe, and there are plenty of ways to switch it up:

Dairy-free – this recipe is naturally dairy-free, so no swaps needed.
Sugar-free – replace brown sugar and honey with a natural sweetener like monk fruit.
Veggie boost – add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra texture.
Protein swap – ground turkey or chicken works perfectly instead of beef. You might also like the Salmon Piccata Recipe for a lighter protein option.
Flavor enhancer – drizzle with toasted sesame seeds or a splash of rice vinegar before serving.

Cooking Time

This dish is as quick as it is tasty:

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

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I use every time I make this stir fry:

large skillet or wok – for cooking beef and veggies evenly.
wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring without scratching your pan.
measuring cups and spoons – to ensure balanced flavors.
small bowl – to mix the cornstarch slurry for thickening.
knife and cutting board – for prepping veggies and aromatics.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Preparing the Ingredients

I start by chopping all my veggies and mincing garlic and ginger. Having everything ready makes cooking faster and keeps the stir fry from overcooking. I like keeping broccoli in small florets for even cooking.

Cooking the Ground Beef

Next, I heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the ground beef. I season lightly with salt and pepper while stirring to break up the meat. Cooking until no pink remains gives it the perfect texture.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, I add broccoli and shredded carrots. Stir-frying for about 3–4 minutes keeps the veggies crisp yet tender. I love how the vibrant colors make the dish visually appealing.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, beef broth, garlic, ginger, corn starch, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Pouring it over the beef and veggies, I simmer until thickened. The aroma fills the kitchen beautifully.

Combining Everything

Finally, I stir everything to coat the beef and veggies in the sauce. I sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness. After one last stir, the dish is ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some tricks I’ve learned:

I always use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; I like it slightly crisp for texture.
Adding orange zest at the end gives a bright, fresh flavor.
Taste as you go—adjust soy sauce or honey for your preferred sweetness.
If you like a spicier dish, I add a pinch more red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry?

Serving this stir fry is easy and fun. I love placing it over steamed white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions makes it visually appealing. For extra flair, a wedge of lime on the side adds a subtle citrusy kick.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’ll get in one serving:

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 16g

These numbers can vary slightly depending on the type of ground beef and vegetables used.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day.

Freezing

For meal prep, I freeze in individual portions. This keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

I reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons I keep making this dish:

Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Meal prep-friendly – freezes well and reheats beautifully for grab-and-go lunches.
Packed with flavor – the teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
Customizable – adjust veggies, protein, and spice to your taste.
Nutritious – protein-rich with fresh vegetables, making it a balanced meal.

This easy ground beef teriyaki stir fry is my go-to for busy nights when I want something comforting, flavorful, and effortless. I hope it becomes a favorite for you too!

Ben Carraoli