Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki

Save this recipe on:

Whenever I’m pressed for time but still want something nourishing and flavorful, I turn to my go-to: Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki. It’s the perfect balance between comfort food and clean eating, and it checks every box—easy, quick, filling, and incredibly satisfying. The first time I threw this dish together, it was out of desperation with a half-pound of ground beef and some leftover veggies. Now, it’s become a weekly staple that keeps me on track without sacrificing flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You can make a generous batch in under 30 minutes and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The teriyaki sauce clings perfectly to the juicy beef, while crunchy carrots and tender broccoli give it a fresh, wholesome bite. Whether served over rice, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps, it delivers a bold, savory punch that keeps well and reheats like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki

• It’s a one-pan wonder—easy cleanup and minimal prep.
• Budget-friendly and perfect for using up leftover veggies.
• Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full longer.
• A delicious alternative to takeout that fits into a busy schedule.
• Customizable with your favorite stir-fry vegetables or sauces.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

I usually go with 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. It gives a rich, juicy texture without being too greasy. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 or even ground turkey works just fine—it still absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Options for Substitutions

• Vegetables: Swap in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini if you don’t have broccoli or carrots.
• Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles all work well in place of beef.
• Sauce: If you’re out of teriyaki, use a mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger to make a quick homemade version.
• Grains: Serve it over brown rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or even inside a lettuce wrap for a low-carb twist.

---

Ingredients for This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki

• Ground Beef: The heart of the dish—rich, savory, and full of flavor. Ground beef soaks up the teriyaki sauce, creating a meaty, satisfying base.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds crunch, color, and fiber while balancing the richness of the beef.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced for texture and a touch of natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic and bold, garlic adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Ginger: Fresh or ground, ginger brings warmth and a subtle zing that’s key to any teriyaki dish.
• Soy Sauce: The essential base for teriyaki—salty, umami-rich, and flavorful.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle brings a nutty aroma that enhances the Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Cornstarch + Water Slurry: Thickens the sauce to help it cling to the meat and veggies.
• Cooked White Rice: The perfect base to soak up all the savory sauce and make it a full meal.
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: Used as garnishes for a fresh bite and extra visual appeal.

---

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce later.

---

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the beef is browned, stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This forms the base flavor for the teriyaki sauce.

---

Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables

Add in the broccoli florets and thin carrot sticks. Stir-fry them with the beef mixture for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some bite.

---

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch-water slurry. Pour it into the pan and stir everything to coat.

---

Step 5: Simmer to Thicken

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and vegetables. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

---

Step 6: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls

Spoon a layer of cooked white rice into each container. Top with the beef teriyaki mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that final fresh crunch.

---

How Long to Prepare Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki

Preparation Time:
You’ll need just about 10 minutes to chop the vegetables, mix the sauce ingredients, and get everything organized. If you’re using pre-cut veggies or a frozen stir-fry mix, that time can be cut in half.

Cooking Time:
The actual cook time is around 15–20 minutes. Ground beef browns quickly, and the vegetables only need a few minutes to become tender-crisp. The sauce thickens in just a few minutes more, so you can be fully done in 30 minutes or less.

---

Tips for Perfect Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables—leave them slightly crisp for texture.
• Let the sauce simmer just long enough to thicken and coat the beef.
• Taste before serving; adjust saltiness or sweetness as needed.
• Make extra sauce and keep it on the side for drizzling before reheating.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too lean beef: It can turn out dry. Stick to 85/15 if possible.
• Overcrowding the pan: This causes the beef to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the slurry: Without the cornstarch mixture, your sauce will be thin and won’t coat the ingredients well.
• Overcooking the veggies: Broccoli turns mushy fast—remove from heat while still bright green.
• Adding sauce too early: Wait until everything is cooked to pour in the sauce; this prevents burning.

---

What to Serve With Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki?

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Soft and aromatic, jasmine rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.

2. Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb, lighter option that still feels hearty.

3. Stir-Fried Noodles

Use lo mein or soba noodles for a takeout-style twist.

4. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, crunchy contrast that balances the warm, savory beef.

5. Miso Soup

Great for a cozy lunch box add-on or light side at dinner.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:
Once cooled, store the teriyaki beef bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the rice and beef mixture in the same container or separate if preferred.

Freezer:
This dish freezes well. Place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Sprinkle with a bit of water if the rice seems dry, and reheat covered to keep moisture in.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: 450–500
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 750mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet so they don’t water down the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—use a plant-based ground meat substitute and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding extra salt or seasoning.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook in two batches so everything browns evenly and doesn’t steam.

---

Conclusion

Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’re winning at life. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or even a cozy dinner for two. With a flavorful sauce, juicy beef, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a meal that reheats beautifully and leaves you feeling full and happy every time. Add this to your meal prep routine, and you’ll never look back.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: