Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet

Introduction

When you need a speedy dinner that’s loaded with flavor yet minimal on cleanup, this Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet delivers in every way. Juicy ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a bold homemade teriyaki sauce come together in one pan for a delicious weeknight meal that tastes like your favorite takeout but is way healthier and easier.

Perfect for busy families or those new to cooking, this meal satisfies cravings for something sweet, salty, and savory—without a ton of work or dishes.

Unbeatable Sweet & Savory Teriyaki in Minutes

What sets this Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet apart is its balance of deep umami and bright, crisp vegetables. The homemade teriyaki glaze simmers right alongside the meat and veggies, soaking everything with an irresistible sticky finish. Simple pantry staples become crave-worthy when cooked together in one nonstick frying pan skillet, making for an ultra-quick, flavor-packed dinner.

Prepping Ingredients the Easy Way

For the best results, use lean ground beef and a variety of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. Precision dicing makes a difference, ensuring even cooking and a pleasing bite in every mouthful. If you want to breeze through prep, try a vegetable chopper—it shaves minutes off your chopping time and yields perfectly uniform pieces.

Chop everything before you start cooking, and keep your mise en place organized for a stress-free process.

One-Skillet Simplicity: Building Flavor Fast

Start by browning the ground beef in your skillet. For evenly crumbled, perfectly browned beef, a meat and potato masher works wonders, breaking the meat apart while it cooks. Add aromatics like garlic and ginger, then toss in your crisp veggies to cook just until tender. The sweet, sticky teriyaki sauce finishes everything with bold flavor.

You can simmer everything together for a few extra minutes to thicken the sauce and let the flavors meld.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This skillet stores beautifully for meal prep—simply portion leftovers into food storage containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight, making it great for next-day lunches. Pair with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal any time.

Nutritional Information & Serving Suggestions

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Each is packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, clocking in at around 375 calories (excluding rice or noodles). Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite grain, with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds if you’re feeling adventurous.

Teriyaki Ground Beef Skillet (Recap)

A single pan, juicy beef, crisp veggies, and a quick teriyaki glaze—this dinner has all the best parts of takeout with none of the hassle. Make it once and you’ll crave the sweet and savory flavor balance again and again.

Instructions

1. Heat a nonstick frying pan skillet over medium-high. Add oil, then ground beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking apart with a meat and potato masher until beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and continue cooking until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add chopped vegetables. Sauté until just tender, 3–5 minutes (cover pan for softer veggies if desired).
5. Whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), 2 tbsp water, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour over the beef and veggie mixture.
6. Stir cornstarch slurry, then pour in. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and all ingredients are coated, about 2 minutes.
7. Turn off heat. Drizzle with sesame oil, toss well, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.
8. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, portioning into food storage containers for meal prep, if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes