These Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls are super tasty and simple to make! Just mix ground beef with a sweet teriyaki sauce and serve it over fluffy rice. Yum!
I love how quick this meal comes together—perfect for a busy night. You can top it with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch. It’s a dinner win! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Jasmine rice gives a lovely fragrant touch, while basmati rice works just as well. If gluten-free, try using quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Ground Beef: Beef blends perfectly with the teriyaki sauce, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner choice. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Bell Pepper & Carrots: The red bell pepper adds a nice sweetness. You can use other colors like yellow or green. If you need a veggie swap, try broccoli, snap peas, or shredded zucchini for variety.
Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos.
How Can I Make the Sauce Just Right?
Getting the sauce right is key to these rice bowls! You want it sweet and savory, so balancing ingredients is important.
- Start with soy sauce and brown sugar as your base. Adjust the sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
- Rice vinegar adds a nice tang, but you can switch to apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
- Don’t skip the ginger for that fragrant kick! Fresh ginger is best, but ground ginger can work in a hurry.
- Thickening the sauce with cornstarch slurry gives it a nice glaze. Make sure to cook it for a minute to avoid a raw cornstarch taste!
Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water
For the Beef and Veggies:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds (white and/or black)
- Optional: chopped cilantro or steamed vegetables for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the rice and the beef mixture. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Once done, remove it from heat and let it rest, covered, for another 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
While the rice is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the white parts of the chopped green onions and the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant. Then, add the ground beef into the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the veggies become slightly tender but still crisp. This adds a nice crunch to your dish!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet, stirring to combine everything well.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and veggies.
6. Serve Your Dish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Scoop the cooked rice into bowls and top it with the teriyaki ground beef mixture. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a lovely finish. If you want, add steamed vegetables or fresh cilantro on the side for extra flavor!
Enjoy your amazing Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice for a healthier option, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook. Soak it for about 30 minutes before cooking to help it cook more evenly, and increase the water to 2.5 cups for best results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! If you’d like to add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even some chopped fresh chili peppers into the beef mixture. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
What Vegetables Can I Use as Substitutes?
You can easily swap in other vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or even bok choy would be great additions—just adjust cooking times accordingly so they stay crisp!
