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Craving a meal that’s packed with bold flavors, easy to whip up, and doesn’t break the bank? Meet the Korean Ground Beef Bowl—a deliciously savory dish inspired by Korean cuisine. Think of it as a shortcut to the famous Korean bulgogi, but without the long marinating time or pricey steak cuts. Instead, this recipe uses ground beef, which soaks up a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, creating an irresistible umami-packed bite in every spoonful.
The beauty of this dish? It’s ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or meal prep, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice and crunchy veggies. Plus, it’s kid-approved and budget-friendly, making it a fantastic addition to your family’s dinner rotation.
If you loved our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, you’ll adore this dish, too! Both are easy, flavor-packed, and perfect for a quick homemade meal. Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
What is Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
You might be wondering—why call it a Korean Ground Beef Bowl? Well, imagine traditional bulgogi, a Korean dish featuring thinly sliced, marinated beef. Now, swap the expensive steak for affordable ground beef, and you get this genius shortcut to the same great flavors!
In the spirit of the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s hearty, packed with bold umami flavors, and topped with just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is fail-proof and ridiculously satisfying.
So, if you’ve been searching for a way to add some quick and easy Asian-inspired dishes to your meal plan, this is the perfect place to start!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Bursting with Flavor
This dish packs a punch with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, coating every morsel of beef in addictive goodness. The mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil brings out the signature flavors of Korean cuisine without the need for an extensive ingredient list.
Budget-Friendly & Quick
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s delicious AND affordable? Ground beef is one of the most economical protein choices, and this dish transforms it into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy nights.
Customizable & Versatile
Top your bowl with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, a fried egg, or kimchi for an extra flavor boost. Want more crunch? Add shredded carrots or cucumbers. The possibilities are endless, and you can tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Quick Overview
This dish is a one-pan wonder—just cook the beef, mix in the sauce, and serve over rice. The result? A hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavorful goodness in every bite. And the best part? It takes only 25 minutes!
Key Ingredients for Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 minute. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the beef over bowls of rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional fried eggs.
What to Serve with Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, carrots)
- Kimchi (for a classic Korean side)
- Fried eggs (for an extra protein boost)
- Cucumber salad (adds a refreshing crunch)
- Miso soup (for a comforting addition)
Top Tips for Perfecting Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—avoid substitutes like garlic powder.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Make it a meal prep favorite by storing individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. If needed, add a splash of soy sauce to refresh the flavors.
Ready to Try This Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights—quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Whether you serve it as-is or jazz it up with your favorite toppings, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp gochujang optional for spice
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the ingredients: Chop the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Set aside.
- 2️⃣ Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
- 3️⃣ Add flavor: Stir in the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and gochujang (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- 4️⃣ Finish with toppings: Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
- 5️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Spoon the beef mixture over warm white rice. Garnish with additional sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian option.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a kick of heat, add extra gochujang (Korean chili paste), red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha. You can also sauté the beef with diced jalapeños for an extra spicy twist.
3. What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is perfect over steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve with freshly cooked rice.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm it on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
6. Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes! Let the beef cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
7. What toppings go well with this dish?
For extra flavor and texture, top your bowl with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, shredded carrots, kimchi, or a soft-boiled egg. A drizzle of spicy mayo also pairs beautifully!
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make it fully gluten-free.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This dish scales easily. Just double all ingredients and cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
10. What side dishes pair well with Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
Try serving it with Korean cucumber salad, miso soup, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh Asian slaw to round out your meal.