This tasty dish mixes juicy ground beef with fresh broccoli, all coated in a sweet teriyaki sauce that’s simply irresistible. And don’t forget the Yum Yum sauce on top—it’s the cherry on the cake!
Whenever I make this meal, I feel like a kitchen superstar. It’s quick and easy, making dinner feel special without all the fuss. Serve it over rice for a complete meal, and enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef for a lighter dish, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as these might cook faster.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives the best crunch and flavor. If broccoli isn’t available, you can substitute with green beans or snap peas. Frozen broccoli works too, just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
Teriyaki Sauce: A store-bought sauce saves time, but making your own from soy sauce, honey, and a splash of vinegar is easy too. If you need a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce mixed with a little honey or agave syrup.
Yum Yum Sauce: It’s delicious, but you can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter sauce with a bit of tang. You can add some sriracha if you want a spicy kick!
How Do You Cook Ground Beef to Make It Delicious?
Cooking ground beef well is the key to flavorful dishes like this one. Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cooking it until it’s nicely browned (5-7 minutes) is essential for that rich flavor.
- Look for the beef to be evenly brown without any pink spots.
- If there’s too much fat, draining it can help keep the dish from being greasy.
Why is Garlic and Ginger So Important in This Recipe?
Garlic and ginger add depth and warmth to your dish. After browning the beef, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until they’re aromatic. Don’t skip this step — it truly enhances the overall flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Broccoli While Keeping It Crunchy?
For perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, add it to the skillet after the beef and aromatics. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the broccoli and cover the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, but don’t overcook, so it keeps that fresh crunch!
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli with Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Yum Yum Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Water (to thin out, if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes in total to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes making the Yum Yum sauce and cooking the beef and broccoli, and then just serve and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yum Yum Sauce:
Start by gathering a small bowl. In it, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika until everything is smooth and well mixed. If you want a thinner sauce, slowly add some water until you reach your desired consistency. Set this yummy sauce aside for later.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Take a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain some of it off.
3. Add Vegetables:
Now, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and pour the teriyaki sauce over everything. Let this cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender and everything is nicely coated with the teriyaki sauce.
4. Serve:
It’s time to eat! Scoop the cooked rice into bowls. Top each bowl with the flavorful teriyaki ground beef and broccoli mixture. Drizzle a generous amount of the Yum Yum sauce over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair!
5. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Teriyaki Ground Beef and Broccoli hot and enjoy each bite of this tasty dish!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for turkey or chicken, which may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the teriyaki ground beef and broccoli in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The Yum Yum sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the rice separate, it’s best to store it in another container. When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to boost the nutritional value. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the broccoli. Add them to the skillet along with the broccoli for a colorful and delicious dish!
