Okay, let’s be real. Weekday lunches? Total chaos, right? I used to grab whatever was fastest – usually something not-so-great for me (and my wallet!). Then I discovered the magic of meal prepping, and it was a game-changer. And one of my absolute *favorite* recipes? Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. This recipe is so easy, so delicious, and it’s actually good for you! Trust me, you’ll thank yourself all week long. It’s the perfect way to have a tasty, balanced meal ready to go, no stress involved!
Why You'll Love This Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Recipe
Seriously, get ready to fall in love! Here’s why this Ground Beef Teriyaki is about to become your new meal prep BFF:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes – even I can manage that!
- Easy Cleanup: One pan = happy dance!
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and veggies (and flavor, duh!).
- Totally Customizable: Swap out veggies, add spice – make it *yours*!
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is easy on the wallet, which is always a win.
- Super Flavorful: That teriyaki sauce? Mmm, don’t even get me started!
Ingredients for Your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki. We’re talking 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef (the leaner, the better!), 1 cup of low-sodium teriyaki sauce (trust me on this one!), and 2 cups of cooked brown rice (cooked according to package directions, of course!). You’ll also need 1 cup of fresh broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of pre-shredded carrots (hey, I’m all about convenience!), 2 tbsp of sesame seeds (optional, but oh-so-pretty!), and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Got it? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the fun part! Let me walk you through how to whip up this amazing Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki. It’s easier than you think, promise!
Preparing the Ground Beef Teriyaki
First things first, grab a large skillet (non-stick is your friend here!) and heat up that tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles. Then, toss in your 1.5 lbs of ground beef. Now, break it up with a spoon as it cooks – you don’t want any big clumps! Cook it until it’s all browned. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease; nobody wants a soggy bowl! Once the beef is browned and drained, pour in that cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick and burn (trust me, burnt teriyaki is *not* a good flavor!). You want the sauce to thicken up a bit and coat all that delicious beef.
Assembling Your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Bowls
Alright, assembly time! Grab your meal prep containers. Divide the 2 cups of cooked brown rice evenly among them. Then, spoon that glorious Ground Beef Teriyaki over the rice. Next, add your broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Try to distribute everything evenly so each bowl has a good balance. And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle those sesame seeds on top! My favorite part is seeing all the colors together – so pretty!
Cooling and Storing Your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
This is important: Let those bowls cool completely before you seal them up. I usually leave them on the counter for about an hour. Why? Because if you seal them while they’re still warm, condensation will form, and nobody wants soggy rice and veggies! Once they’re cool, pop the lids on and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 4 days. Hello, delicious and easy lunches all week long!
Tips for the Best Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
Want to take your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki to the next level? Of course, you do! First, use *lean* ground beef. Trust me, your arteries will thank you! And be careful not to overcook the broccoli – nobody likes mushy broccoli. I usually steam it until it’s just tender-crisp. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the teriyaki sauce to your liking. Some like it sweeter, some like it saltier – go with what *you* love! Oh, and here’s a biggie: use an airtight container! This keeps everything fresh and prevents any weird fridge smells from creeping in. My secret weapon? A little squirt of sriracha on top right before eating. Adds the perfect kick!
Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki… now let’s get crazy! The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Don’t like broccoli? No problem! Swap it out for bell peppers or snap peas. Feeling adventurous? Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. And if you’re not a fan of brown rice (gasp!), quinoa works great too. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and make it your own. Have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Your Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
So, you’ve got your awesome Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki all prepped and ready to go… but what should you eat with it? I like to keep things simple and healthy. A little side salad is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling snacky, some edamame is perfect! A side of fruit works too – keeps things light and fresh. Honestly, this dish is pretty filling on its own, so you don’t need much!
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
Got questions about this amazing Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:
How long does Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki last in the fridge?
Good question! It’ll stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for a week of lunches!
Can I freeze Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki?
Yep, you sure can! But fair warning: the texture of the rice and broccoli might change a bit when you thaw it. Still tasty, just not *quite* as perfect.
Can I use a different type of rice for Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki?
Absolutely! Brown rice is my go-to, but white rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa would work great. Use whatever you like best!
Is this Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki recipe gluten-free?
It *can* be! Just make sure you use gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Read those labels, folks! For more information on gluten-free diets, check out Beyond Celiac.
Can I add more vegetables to this Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki recipe?
Heck yeah! Load it up! Feel free to add any veggies you’re craving. Bell peppers, snap peas, onions… the sky’s the limit!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki
Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use. So, don’t take these numbers as gospel, okay? Just a general idea! For general nutritional guidance, you can refer to resources like the Nutrition.gov website.
Enjoy Your Delicious Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki!
Alright, there you have it! Go make some amazing Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki, and then come back and tell me what you think! Share it with your friends, too! Thanks for reading!
Print
Meal Prep Ground Beef Teriyaki: Delicious 40-Minute Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Prepare a week’s worth of delicious and healthy Ground Beef Teriyaki bowls for quick and easy meals.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 cups Cooked Brown Rice
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets
- 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Pour teriyaki sauce over the ground beef and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Steam or microwave broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
- Divide cooked brown rice evenly among meal prep containers.
- Top rice with ground beef teriyaki, broccoli, and shredded carrots.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Allow to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Adjust the amount of teriyaki sauce to your liking.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
