One-Pan Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

Are you looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this One-Pan Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet! This recipe is a winner because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coats the ground beef and vegetables beautifully, creating a dish that’s satisfying and delicious. This is perfect served over rice, noodles, or even enjoyed on its own. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less dishes to wash! Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Flavorful and Delicious: The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of the show, adding a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas all work well.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein option, and the other ingredients are pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful teriyaki ground beef skillet:

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 is recommended for flavor, but leaner ground beef works too, just drain off the excess fat after browning).
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon of ground ginger). Fresh ginger provides a brighter flavor, but ground ginger is a convenient substitute.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or canola oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral cooking oil).
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (adds a lovely nutty flavor).
• Optional Vegetables: 1-2 cups of your favorite vegetables, such as:
  • Broccoli florets
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
  • Carrots, sliced or diced
  • Snap peas
  • Edamame (shelled)
  • Mushrooms, sliced
  • Zucchini, diced

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup of soy sauce (use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness).
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup of packed brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar works).
• Honey: 2 tablespoons of honey (adds sweetness and a sticky texture).
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar (adds tanginess and balances the sweetness).
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Water: 2 tablespoons of cold water (mixed with the cornstarch to create a slurry).
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, for garnish.
• Green Onions: 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious teriyaki ground beef skillet:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry, which will help thicken the sauce.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Vegetables (Optional): If using vegetables, add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Adjust cooking time depending on the type and size of the vegetables. Harder vegetables like carrots will need longer than softer vegetables like snap peas.
5. Pour in the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the ground beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir constantly to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
7. Add Sesame Oil: Stir in the sesame oil for added flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch of heat.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. The cooking time will be similar.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the skillet. Some other great options include broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or garnish with sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add some diced pineapple to the skillet along with the vegetables.
• Use Pre-Made Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce. However, homemade teriyaki sauce is usually lower in sodium and has a fresher flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure your rice vinegar is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Add Water Chestnuts: For an extra crunch, toss in some sliced water chestnuts when adding the other vegetables.
• Stir in Peanut Butter: For a peanutty twist, stir in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the teriyaki sauce. This adds a rich and nutty flavor.
• Make it a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, serve the teriyaki ground beef mixture in lettuce cups.

Serving Suggestions

This teriyaki ground beef skillet is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Rice: The classic choice! Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Over Noodles: Serve over your favorite noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen noodles.
• In Lettuce Wraps: A light and refreshing option. Serve the teriyaki ground beef mixture in crisp lettuce cups.
• As a Filling for Tacos or Burritos: Add the teriyaki ground beef mixture to tacos or burritos for a fusion twist.
• As a Topping for Bowls: Create a customizable bowl with a base of rice or quinoa, topped with the teriyaki ground beef mixture, your favorite vegetables, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
• With a Side of Steamed Vegetables: For a complete and healthy meal, serve the teriyaki ground beef skillet with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or edamame.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about this teriyaki ground beef skillet recipe:

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Add them to the skillet directly from the freezer and cook for a few minutes longer until they are heated through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Use a slightly smaller amount, as these vinegars are more acidic than rice vinegar.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the sauce. You can also add a little extra honey or brown sugar to balance the flavors.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey makes a great substitute. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.

Printable Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet is a fantastic recipe to have in your arsenal for quick and easy weeknight meals. It’s customizable, flavorful, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Keywords

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