Beef Teriyaki Bowls
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These quick and flavorful Beef Teriyaki Bowls feature ground beef, crisp red bell pepper, and your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience. Served over rice, it’s a great weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Around here, stir-fry dinners, ramen bowls, and anything drizzled with teriyaki sauce are always a hit. Whether you go with a store-bought teriyaki sauce or whip up a homemade version, you’re in for a treat. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in my house—even the picky eaters can’t resist! Give it a try and watch it disappear.
I love having friends over when I’m testing recipes—it’s one of my favorite ways to combine work and fun! Instead of heading out, they bring wine, and I get to try out new dishes on them.
Last time, I served Teriyaki Beef Bowls, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Asian Garlic Noodles for their honest feedback. The verdict? Everyone loved the beef bowls! They raved about how quick and easy the recipe was to throw together and how delicious the flavors were.
If you ask me, this recipe is the perfect excuse to host a dinner party—it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and a guaranteed hit!
Why you will love these easy Asian bowls
- Quick and easy – This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table quickly.
- Budget-Friendly – Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts of meat keeps this recipe affordable without sacrificing flavor, making it a family-friendly option.
- Packed with Flavor – The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce paired with sautéed red bell peppers and green onions creates a delicious combination of tastes and textures.
- Customizable for Everyone – Whether served over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice, this dish is versatile enough to fit different preferences and dietary needs. Add extra veggies or spice it up with a drizzle of sriracha for a personalized twist!
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Cook the beef and vegetables, then store them separately from the rice in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the rice and ground beef mixture and assemble the bowls.
Yes! If you enjoy a little heat, add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce after you have created the bowls. Red pepper flakes are another great way to spice it up.
Simple Ingredients
- Sesame Oil – Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish, but don’t worry if you don’t have any. You can omit it, and the recipe will still be delicious.
- Ground Beef – I prefer lean ground beef for this recipe, but feel free to use what you have available. If using a fattier option, make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking. Want to switch things up? Ground chicken and ground turkey are both excellent substitutes.
- Red Bell Pepper – The crunch and sweetness of red bell pepper pair beautifully with the teriyaki sauce. You can use any color bell pepper—yellow, orange, or green—or leave it out if you’ve got picky eaters at the table. If you’ve been around here, you know I love red bell peppers!
- Carrots – I recommend using pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store for convenience. They’re a quick and easy way to add color and nutrition. If you prefer to cut your own, julienning carrots is a great option, but it will add some prep time.
- Rice – You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice as the base for these bowls. I’ve tried all three, and they each bring something different to the dish. My family’s favorite is classic white rice.
- Green Onions – Green onions don’t just add a pop of color—they bring a mild onion flavor and a delightful crunch that ties everything together. Plus, they make the bowls look so fresh and vibrant!
- Sesame Seeds – These are completely optional, but they add a festive touch that makes the dish feel like takeout. Want to have some fun? Serve the bowls with chopsticks and see who can master them first!
Recipe tips
- Drain Excess Grease: If using a fattier ground beef, drain off the excess grease after cooking to keep the dish light and avoid diluting the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep the bell peppers and carrots slightly crisp for a nice texture contrast. Add them toward the end of cooking if you prefer them firmer.
- Swap the Protein: Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes work great if you want to mix things up.
- More Veggies: To increase the veggies in your bowl, feel free to add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini. Adjust the sauce accordingly.
Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook ground beef
Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add vegetables and garlic
Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften but remain slightly crisp.
Step 3: Add the sauce
Stir in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is nice and hot. Feel free to add additional sauce or serve with warm sauce on the side.
Step 4: Make the bowls
Divide the cooked rice among 4-5 bowls. Spoon the teriyaki beef mixture over the rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover cooled teriyaki beef in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, use a skillet with a splash of water, broth, or sauce to retain moisture, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Freeze: Portion the beef into meal-sized servings, wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the package, and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the beef to the refrigerator overnight.
Recipe variations
Looking to switch things up with your Teriyaki Beef Bowls? Here are a bunch of fun variations to keep things fresh and exciting. Whether you’re in the mood for something lighter, spicier, or a little out of the box, I’ve got you covered!
- Switch Up the Protein – Don’t feel like sticking with ground beef? No problem! Try using ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option, or go plant-based with tofu crumbles or veggie ground meat. Want to get fancy? Shredded beef, pork, or even shrimp would be amazing in this dish.
- Add More Veggies – This recipe is the perfect excuse to clean out the fridge! Toss in some broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms. Or, if you’re a fan of crunch, shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix would make a great addition. Pickled veggies like cucumbers or carrots are also a fun way to add a tangy twist!
- Hawaiian Style: Toss in some pineapple chunks and serve with coconut rice for a tropical vibe.
- Korean-Inspired: Stir in a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and top with kimchi for a flavor-packed twist.
- Mexican Fusion: Use the teriyaki beef as a taco filling and top with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Yes, teriyaki tacos are a thing, and they’re amazing!
What to serve with beef teriyaki bowls
- Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls
- Steamed Broccoli
- Miso Soup
- Asian Chopped Salad
- Brussels Sprouts
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Teriyaki Beef Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Diced
- 1/2 cup Carrot Sticks
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce
- 3 Cups Cooked White or Brown Rice
- 2 Green Onions Thinly Sliced (Optional Garnish)
- 1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds Optional Garnish
- Sriracha to drizzle Optional Garnish
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.2 teaspoon Sesame Oil, 1 1/2 Pounds Ground Beef
- Stir in the diced red bell pepper and carrot sticks. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables soften but remain slightly crisp.1 Red Bell Pepper, 1/2 cup Carrot Sticks
- Stir in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is nice and hot. Feel free to add additional sauce or serve with warm sauce on the side.1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce
- Divide the cooked rice among 4-5 bowls. Spoon the teriyaki beef mixture over the rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of Sriracha, if desired.3 Cups Cooked White or Brown Rice, 2 Green Onions, 1 Teaspoon Sesame Seeds, Sriracha to drizzle
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Notes
- Add More Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Customize the Protein: Try ground chicken, turkey, or pork as a swap for beef.
- Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or more red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
