I love making simple, hearty meals, especially when they use ground beef. It’s such a versatile ingredient, and with just a few pantry staples, you can create something truly special. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite ground beef bowl recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
These recipes are designed to be easy to follow and full of flavor. I know you’ll find a new favorite among these quick dinner ideas. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Quick Ground Beef Teriyaki Rice Bowls
This recipe brings together classic teriyaki flavors with quick-cooking ground beef. It’s a fantastic meal for when you need something delicious on the table fast.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Teriyaki
- Soy Sauce Base: This forms the heart of the teriyaki sauce. Use a good quality one for the best taste.
- Cornstarch Slurry: A little cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken your sauce perfectly, making it cling to the beef and rice.
What You Need for Teriyaki Bowls
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Ground Beef Teriyaki
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Sauce and Serve
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Serve the teriyaki beef hot over cooked rice, topped with fresh green onions.
📝 Final Note
For a complete meal, add steamed broccoli or snap peas to your bowl!
Spicy Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
If you like a bit of heat with a touch of sweetness, these hot honey ground beef bowls are for you. They come together quickly and are full of vibrant flavors.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Hot Honey Beef
- Hot Honey: This is the star ingredient, providing both sweetness and a spicy kick. You can buy it or make your own by infusing honey with chili flakes.
- Quick Prep: This recipe is designed for speed. Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking.
What You Need for Hot Honey Bowls
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for extra heat)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Hot Honey Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Hot Honey Sauce
While the beef is cooking, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl. Once the beef is cooked and drained, pour the hot honey mixture over the beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the beef, letting it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and clings to the meat.
Step 3: Build Your Bowl
Serve the hot honey ground beef over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want more heat. You can also add some quick-sautéed bell peppers or a fried egg for extra goodness.
📝 Final Note
Adjust the amount of hot honey or sriracha to make it as spicy or mild as you like!