Ultimate Korean Ground Beef Bowl – 25-Minute Flavor-Packed Dinner
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Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
Craving the deep, savory-sweet flavors of Korean BBQ but short on time? This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your perfect solution. In just 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s incredibly satisfying. Featuring ground beef cooked in a simple, glossy sauce of soy, sesame, garlic, and ginger, all served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is a flavor powerhouse. It’s the ultimate “takeout fakeout”—faster, healthier, and more affordable than delivery, and completely customizable with your favorite veggies and toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Bowl
This recipe is a weeknight hero for so many reasons. It’s astonishingly quick and simple, using one skillet and pantry staples. The sauce is magical—just a few ingredients create an authentic, addictive flavor. It’s incredibly adaptable; use ground turkey, chicken, or add any vegetables you have. It’s perfect for healthy meal prep, as the components reheat beautifully. Finally, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour.
Ingredients for Korean Ground Beef Bowl
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
For Serving & Toppings:
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Optional toppings: fried egg, kimchi, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, sriracha or gochujang
Ingredient Tip: For a richer, more authentic flavor, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or mirin to the sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a gentle heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Begin cooking your rice according to package directions so it’s ready when the beef is done.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
- Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the cleared space. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until very fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and aromatics.
- Simmer: Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef beautifully.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top generously with the saucy Korean beef. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds. Add any additional toppings like a fried egg or kimchi. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Bowl
- Don’t Skip Draining: Draining excess fat from the beef after browning prevents a greasy sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker, glossier sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering beef mixture for the last minute of cooking.
- Customize Your Veggies: Stir in a handful of spinach at the end to wilt, or add finely diced bell peppers or carrots with the garlic and ginger.
- Meal Prep Star: This is an excellent meal prep recipe. Store the beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Bowl
This Korean ground beef bowl is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A quick cucumber salad (sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and sesame seeds) adds a refreshing crunch. Kimchi is the classic, authentic accompaniment that provides a tangy, spicy kick. For another easy bowl recipe with bold flavors, try our Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Bowl or our Easy Street Corn Chicken Bowl.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 16g
- *Note: Using lean ground beef (93/7) and brown rice increases the fiber and protein content.*
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave. Reheat the rice separately with a sprinkle of water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives. The cooking method is exactly the same.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes to reduce. For a faster, thicker glaze, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to the simmering beef and stir for 1 minute until thickened.
Is this recipe spicy?
As written, it is not spicy but is very flavorful. To add heat, include ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the sauce, or drizzle with sriracha or gochujang when serving.
Can I freeze the cooked beef?
Yes. Let the cooked beef mixture cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
What’s the difference between this and bulgogi?
Traditional bulgogi uses thinly sliced beef marinated for hours. This recipe uses ground beef and a simplified, quick-cooking sauce for similar flavors in a fraction of the time.
More Quick and Flavorful Bowl Recipes
If you love the ease and deliciousness of this Korean ground beef bowl, you’ll want to try these other recipes. Our Easy Greek Chicken Bowls Recipe is packed with Mediterranean flavors. For a different take on ground beef, our Easy Egyptian Beef Goulash is rich and comforting. And if you’re in the mood for noodles, our Easy Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is always a winner.
Recipe Inspiration
This recipe is inspired by the beloved sweet and savory flavors of Korean BBQ, adapted for a quick, weeknight-friendly format using ground beef. It’s a fantastic introduction to Korean-inspired cooking at home, similar to the approachable method shared in the Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe on Better Home Base.
Make This Flavor-Packed Bowl Tonight
Ready to ditch takeout for good? Save this recipe to your “Quick Dinners” or “Meal Prep” board to have it ready for your next busy night. We love seeing your beautiful bowls—share your photos with us! For hundreds more recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, browse our full collection of 30-minute meals.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook rice according to package directions. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, until browned, 5-7 mins. Drain excess fat.
- Push beef to one side. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the cleared space. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Pour sauce over the beef and aromatics in the skillet.
- Stir everything together. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with the Korean beef. Garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like a fried egg or kimchi. Serve hot.