Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Transform simple ingredients into a savory and slightly sweet dish with this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal combines ground beef, a flavorful Korean-inspired sauce, and rice for a hearty, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. Packed with bold flavors and easy to customize, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
Ingredients Overview

For the Ground Beef:
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef works best, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a bold, savory base to the dish.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Brings a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): The salty, umami backbone of the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce if desired.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds nutty richness to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Optional, but adds just the right amount of heat for a spicy kick.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust as needed to enhance the flavors.
For Serving:
- Cooked White or Brown Rice (2 cups): The perfect base to soak up all the savory sauce.
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sautéed spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a bit of crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the Aromatics
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat.
- Let the beef simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve the Dish
- Spoon the ground beef mixture over bowls of cooked rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and your choice of vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks
Customize Your Protein
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
Add More Veggies
- Mix in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed bok choy or kale instead of rice.
Spice It Up
- If you love spice, add a drizzle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Korean Ground Beef Bowl with a side of kimchi for a tangy, spicy kick.
- Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for extra protein and richness.
- Serve with pickled cucumbers or shredded cabbage to balance the savory flavors.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigeration:
Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat the beef on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing:
- You can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another grain instead of rice?
A: Absolutely! Try serving this dish over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even rice noodles for a different texture.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Q: How do I make this recipe healthier?
A: Swap the brown sugar for honey or a natural sweetener, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and load up on extra vegetables.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With its savory-sweet sauce and customizable toppings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Give this recipe a try and share your results with family and friends. Don’t forget to tag your creations with #KoreanGroundBeefBowl for everyone to see. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With savory and slightly sweet beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a rich sauce over rice, this dish is packed with bold flavors. Customize it with vegetables or your favorite toppings for a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce (low-sodium if desired)
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 cups Cooked white or brown rice
- Steamed broccoli or shredded carrots (optional)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics:
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the beef and mix well. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Spoon the beef mixture over bowls of cooked rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and your choice of vegetables.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm and enjoy this quick, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level or add a drizzle of gochujang for extra spice.
- Vegetable Variations: Include sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.