There's nothing quite like the bold flavors of a Korean Ground Beef Bowl to liven up your dinner routine. This dish combines sweet and savory beef, aromatic garlic, and perfectly steamed rice for a quick, easy meal bursting with taste.

The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for something that balanced flavor and simplicity—and it did not disappoint. Now, it's my go-to when I want a comforting, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Let me show you why this recipe is such a hit.
Why You'll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Get ready to add this flavorful dish to your weeknight dinner rotation. Korean Ground Beef Bowls are the perfect combination of convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor.
First, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just 20 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting meal on the table, making it ideal for those busy evenings when time is short.
The ingredients are simple and affordable, which means you can whip up a delicious meal without breaking the bank. It’s a budget-friendly choice for families and anyone trying to keep grocery costs in check.
This dish is also highly versatile. Whether you want to add veggies, use a different protein, or make it gluten-free, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your needs.
Finally, the balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it irresistible. From the first bite to the last, every spoonful is packed with deliciousness.
Now that you’re intrigued, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a vibrant, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground beef: The star of the dish! Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but even higher-fat varieties work well because they add richness.
Soy sauce: This brings the salty, umami punch that is essential for the flavor profile. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness. Light or dark brown sugar both work; just use what you have on hand.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for authentic flavor. Grate them finely to infuse the dish with their bold, aromatic goodness.
Sesame oil: A drizzle of sesame oil enhances the nutty, toasty notes and ties all the flavors together.
Cooked rice: This serves as the perfect base, soaking up the flavorful beef mixture. Jasmine or short-grain white rice works best, but you can use brown rice for a healthier twist.
Optional equipment includes a large skillet for cooking the beef and a rice cooker for perfectly steamed rice.
How To Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This recipe is so simple, you’ll want to make it on repeat. Follow these steps for a dish that’s ready in no time.
Start by cooking your rice. If using a rice cooker, simply rinse the grains, add water, and let the machine do the work. Otherwise, boil the rice on the stovetop according to the package instructions.
While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Next, mix in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, coating the beef in a glossy glaze.
Serve the beef mixture over steaming rice, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, or even a fried egg for an extra treat. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats beautifully for leftovers.
Storage Options
Korean Ground Beef Bowls are great for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge or freezer.
In the refrigerator, store the cooked beef and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keeping them separate prevents the rice from becoming soggy.
If freezing, place the cooled beef in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Rice can also be frozen; portion it into single servings for easy reheating.
To reheat, warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. Microwave the rice or steam it on the stovetop for fluffy results.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Switch up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
For extra veggies, stir-fry diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped broccoli alongside the beef.
Make it spicy by adding a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Swap white rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to make the dish lower-carb or more nutrient-dense.
If you need it to be gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your bowl!
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is proof that quick and easy meals can still be packed with flavor. Try it out for yourself, and get ready to add it to your list of favorites!
PrintDelicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is a quick and easy dinner option packed with bold flavors. Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes served over rice, ready in just 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Steamed rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour over cooked beef and stir well.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
- Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
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