Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

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A Korean Ground Beef Bowl is one of those quick and flavor-packed meals I turn to when I want something satisfying without spending a ton of time in the kitchen. This dish delivers bold Korean-inspired flavors—savory, slightly sweet, and just a touch spicy—served over warm rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. It’s better than takeout and ready in just 15 minutes.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

2 cups cooked white or brown rice

¼ cup green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, I add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, I drain it.

Then I stir in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant.

Next, I add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and ground ginger. I let that cook for 2–3 minutes, making sure the beef gets evenly coated in the sauce.

I taste the beef and add salt and pepper if it needs a bit more seasoning.

I serve the beef over hot rice, then finish with green onions and sesame seeds for that extra texture and fresh flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a spoonful of gochujang or a drizzle of sriracha to amp up the heat.

Veggie Boost: Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or broccoli go really well in this dish.

Low-Carb Option: I swap the rice with cauliflower rice when I’m keeping things low-carb.

Protein Switch: I’ve also made this with ground turkey or chicken—both work beautifully.

Vegan Version: Use plant-based ground meat and maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave the beef and rice together in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. It’s also great for meal prep!

FAQs

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To keep this recipe gluten-free, I use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I freeze Korean ground beef?

Yes, I freeze the cooked beef in a sealed container for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to serve.

What rice works best for this recipe?

I like using jasmine or short-grain white rice for a soft, sticky base, but brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles work just as well.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but I can easily omit those or reduce the amount to keep it kid-friendly.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! I often double the ingredients to meal prep lunches for the week or feed a bigger group—it scales up easily.

Conclusion

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason: it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. Whether I’m craving takeout or need something quick and homemade, this recipe always delivers. From the bold flavors to the ease of preparation, it’s the kind of dish I keep coming back to.

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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, one-pan meal that delivers bold, umami-rich flavors with garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Served over rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds, it's a better-than-takeout dish ready in just 15 minutes.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and ground ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring to coat the beef evenly.
Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the beef over hot rice. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.