This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It brings all the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes of Korean cuisine into a simple, weeknight-friendly recipe. Made with ground beef, a delicious sauce, and served over rice, it’s a comforting and tasty dish I can make in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how fast and easy this recipe is to make. In under 30 minutes, I get a flavorful dish that tastes like it came from my favorite takeout spot. The ingredients are simple and often already in my pantry. Plus, it’s versatile—I can serve it with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps. Whether I’m meal prepping or cooking last minute, this recipe always saves the day.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef (I prefer using lean ground beef for less grease)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low sodium)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (I adjust this based on how spicy I want it)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
I start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully browned. I break it apart as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked through, I drain any excess fat if needed.
Then, I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
I pour the sauce over the beef and stir to combine everything well. I let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can soak into the meat.
I serve the beef over freshly steamed rice and top it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 20 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook.
Variations
Sometimes I switch things up by using ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. I’ve also added shredded carrots or sautéed spinach for a veggie boost. If I want to keep it low-carb, I serve it over cauliflower rice. I also love wrapping the beef in lettuce leaves for a Korean-inspired lettuce wrap version.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave it for 1–2 minutes until warmed through or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. If it looks a little dry, I splash in a tiny bit of water or soy sauce.
FAQs
What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?
I like using lean ground beef, around 90% lean, so the dish doesn’t turn out too greasy. But any type works depending on what I have.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! I often cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the rice. Then I just reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a little kick from the red pepper flakes, but I can easily adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier.
Can I freeze Korean ground beef?
Absolutely. I freeze the cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
What can I serve with Korean ground beef besides rice?
I sometimes serve it with noodles, quinoa, in lettuce wraps, or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a lifesaver for busy nights or when I just want something easy and delicious. The flavor-packed beef paired with rice or other bases makes it a dish I come back to again and again. It’s quick, customizable, and always satisfying.
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dish featuring savory-sweet ground beef served over rice. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and highly customizable with various protein or veggie options.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir to combine well.
Let the beef simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is absorbed and the flavors meld.
Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Add vegetables like shredded carrots or spinach for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.
