Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

There's nothing better than a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes, and this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is exactly that! With tender ground beef coated in a savory-sweet sauce, served over warm rice and topped with fresh garnishes, it’s a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.

I first made this recipe on a night when I needed dinner in a hurry but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor. The result? A family favorite that now makes a weekly appearance on our table. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and tastiest meals you'll ever make! This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a lifesaver for those hectic nights when you need something quick but satisfying.

First off, it’s incredibly fast and simple. The entire dish—from prep to plate—takes just 20 minutes! No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients, just a delicious meal in a flash.

Secondly, it's budget-friendly. This recipe uses ground beef, which is much more affordable than steak or short ribs but still delivers that classic Korean BBQ flavor.

Not to mention, it’s super versatile. You can serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Plus, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Finally, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that coats the beef beautifully. Every bite is a burst of umami goodness!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing the dish together.

• Ground Beef – I prefer using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the best balance of flavor and texture. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Soy Sauce – The base of our sauce, adding depth and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and savory flavors. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.
• Garlic & Ginger – These two ingredients bring authentic Korean flavors to the dish. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you can use garlic and ginger paste.
• Sesame Oil – A little bit goes a long way! This adds a nutty, toasty aroma that makes the dish extra special.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a little heat! You can adjust the spice level to your preference or swap it for gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a more authentic kick.
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – These make the perfect finishing touch, adding freshness and crunch to every bite.

Special Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just a large skillet or wok to cook the beef and a rice cooker or pot to prepare your rice.

How to Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Making this dish is so easy, you’ll have dinner on the table before you know it! Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook the Beef – Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Make the Sauce – While the beef is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the key to all that incredible Korean BBQ flavor!
3. Simmer the Beef in Sauce – Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together. If you like a thicker sauce, let it reduce slightly longer.
4. Prepare the Rice – While the beef is cooking, make your steamed white rice or jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
5. Assemble & Serve – Spoon the delicious beef over a bowl of warm rice, then top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch. If you like extra spice, drizzle some sriracha or gochujang on top!

Total time? 20 minutes from start to finish!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's great for meal prep. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator – Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit!
• Freezer – You can freeze the cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.
• If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Variations and Substitutions

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is super customizable, so feel free to get creative!

• Make it Low-Carb – Swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice or serve the beef in lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly option.
• Use a Different Protein – Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully in this dish.
• Add Veggies – Stir in some shredded carrots, bell peppers, or baby spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it Extra Spicy – Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha to the sauce for an extra fiery kick.
• Try It with Noodles – Instead of rice, serve this beef over ramen noodles or glass noodles for a fun twist!

No matter how you make it, this dish is always a winner. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!

Print