Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls: A Flavorful & Healthy Meal!

Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than these Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls! This recipe combines the savory sweetness of teriyaki beef with the hearty goodness of Del Monte beans and fluffy rice, creating a balanced and satisfying bowl that the whole family will love. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any day of the week.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The teriyaki sauce infuses the beef with a delicious sweet and savory flavor that complements the beans and rice perfectly.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from the beef, beans, and vegetables.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the protein.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Beef:** 1 pound of sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain. This cut is lean and cooks quickly, but you can also use flank steak or skirt steak.
* **Del Monte Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can of Del Monte beans, drained and rinsed. I recommend using Del Monte kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans. The choice is yours! Del Monte’s quality ensures consistent texture and flavor.
* **Rice:** 2 cups of cooked rice. Use your favorite type of rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Day-old rice works best, as it tends to be less sticky.
* **Teriyaki Sauce:** 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below).
* **Soy Sauce:** 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, to balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, for added flavor and aroma.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Adds a pungent and savory flavor to the beef.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated. Adds a warm and spicy note to the dish.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will thicken the teriyaki sauce.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, for cooking the beef.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, avocado slices.

## Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own teriyaki sauce, here’s a simple recipe:

* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Combine all ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Beef:** In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful beef.
2. **Cook the Beef:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked through and slightly browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the beef instead of browning it. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Pour the remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet with the cooked beef. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If the sauce is not thick enough, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the skillet. Cook for another minute, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
4. **Warm the Beans:** While the beef is cooking, gently warm the Del Monte beans in a separate saucepan over low heat. You can add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave the beans for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Ensure the beans are thoroughly heated for optimal flavor and food safety.
5. **Assemble the Bowls:** Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the teriyaki beef, warmed Del Monte beans, and your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, and avocado slices. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or shredded carrots, for added nutrition and flavor.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your delicious and healthy Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls immediately!

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Proteins:** If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the bowls. Some great options include broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and edamame.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the teriyaki sauce.
* **Meal Prep Friendly:** This recipe is great for meal prepping! Simply cook the beef, rice, and beans ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the ingredients and assemble the bowls.
* **Customize the Rice:** Instead of plain rice, try using flavored rice, such as coconut rice or cilantro-lime rice. You can also use quinoa or another grain in place of rice.
* **Enhance the Teriyaki Flavor:** For a richer teriyaki flavor, add a tablespoon of mirin or sake to the marinade.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free.
* **Add a Crunchy Element:** Sprinkle crispy fried onions or toasted almonds over the bowls for added texture.
* **Use Different Del Monte Beans:** Experiment with different varieties of Del Monte beans to find your favorite combination. Great Northern beans or Cannellini beans are also great options.

## Serving Suggestions

These Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad or a bowl of miso soup for a more substantial meal. They also pair well with Asian-inspired side dishes, such as spring rolls or potstickers.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the teriyaki beef and beans separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 500-600
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 8-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Why Del Monte Beans?

Using Del Monte beans adds a special touch to this recipe. Del Monte is a trusted brand known for their high-quality canned goods. Their beans are consistently delicious and provide an excellent source of fiber and protein, making them a perfect addition to these rice bowls. The convenience of canned beans saves time and effort, making this recipe even easier to prepare.

## Conclusion

These Teriyaki Beef & Del Monte Bean Rice Bowls are a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that you can enjoy any night of the week. The combination of savory teriyaki beef, hearty Del Monte beans, and fluffy rice is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #TeriyakiBeefRiceBowls and #DelMonteBeans.

Enjoy!