This easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowl is a tasty, delicious meal! You’ll love how the savory beef mixes beautifully with the sweet teriyaki sauce over fluffy rice.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I often toss in some veggies to make it colorful and even healthier. Quick to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat. If you’re looking for lighter options, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
Rice: White or jasmine rice is perfect here, but brown rice offers more fiber. Quinoa or cauliflower rice is a great gluten-free alternative that adds an interesting texture. I love jasmine for its fragrant aroma!
Teriyaki Sauce: Store-bought works great, but you can easily make your own by mixing soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of vinegar. If you’re gluten-free, tamari can be used instead. I suggest adjusting the sauce to your taste—start with less and add more!
Vegetables: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but feel free to mix it up! Zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas are terrific choices. Fresh or frozen, they all work! Carrots can be swapped with frozen peas for ease.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip this or replace it with another oil, but it may change the dish’s overall profile a bit.
How Do I Get My Ground Beef Just Right?
Cooking the beef to perfection is crucial for flavor. Here’s a simple way to do this:
- Start with a hot skillet and add your vegetable oil before the beef.
- Break the beef apart as it cooks—this helps achieve an even texture.
- Don’t rush! Let it brown well for a richer taste. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain it.
- Remember to keep stirring, especially once you add in your minced garlic and ginger to prevent burning!
Following these tips will give you juicy and flavorful beef for your rice bowls! Enjoy your cooking experience.
Delicious Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or jasmine)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 3-4 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the rice (if not pre-cooked) and around 20 minutes making the beef teriyaki mixture. Quick and satisfying for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Rice:
Start by cooking your rice if it isn’t already prepared. Follow the instructions on the package to get fluffy, delicious rice. Once it’s done, set it aside to keep warm.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it turns brown and is fully cooked, using a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. If there’s extra fat, drain some of it off so your dish isn’t too greasy.
3. Add Aromatics:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and let them sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Incorporate Vegetables:
Next, add the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still vibrant. This adds a nice crunch!
5. Add Sauce:
Pour the teriyaki sauce and sesame oil (if using) over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in that delicious sauce. Let it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes so the sauce can thicken a bit. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble Bowls:
Grab your prepared rice and divide it among your serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the teriyaki beef mixture. Looks good already, right?
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions and some sesame seeds on top for that extra flair. Serve your Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls warm, and enjoy this delightful meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey and chicken may cook a bit faster. Make sure to season well, as they can be milder in flavor compared to beef.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these teriyaki rice bowls gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free versions made with tamari instead of soy sauce. Also, check that your rice is gluten-free, which most types are!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! You can cook the beef and vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stove and serve over freshly cooked rice.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out.
