There’s nothing quite like a Korean Ground Beef Bowl to transform your weeknight dinner routine. With its perfectly seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant garnishes, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it an instant hit with everyone at the table.

I discovered this recipe during a whirlwind week when time was tight, and I needed something quick and satisfying. It’s now a family favorite, offering bold flavors without the fuss. Let’s dive into the details and see why this dish will be your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish! This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is packed with flavor, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
First, it's fast and fuss-free. With just 20 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s ideal for those hectic days when you need dinner on the table quickly. All the magic happens in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean up.
Second, it’s a budget-friendly option. Made with ground beef, rice, and a few pantry staples, it’s an economical way to serve up bold, restaurant-quality flavors without breaking the bank.
It’s also highly customizable. Whether you’re looking to adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or add extra veggies, this recipe is endlessly versatile.
Finally, the dish is a perfect balance of flavors. The sweet soy glaze pairs beautifully with the savory beef, while fresh garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add a touch of brightness and crunch.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating its irresistible flavor profile.
- Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) for a balance of flavor and minimal grease. Ground turkey or chicken also work well for a lighter option.
- Soy Sauce: This is the base of the sweet and savory sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness and allow the other flavors to shine.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements. For a deeper flavor, you can substitute honey or coconut sugar.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for that authentic Korean flavor. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger will elevate the dish to another level.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds a nutty depth that ties everything together. Toasted sesame oil is especially flavorful.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to taste for a hint of heat. You can omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
- Rice: White rice is traditional, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives for different dietary needs.
How To Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Creating this delicious dish is a breeze. With just a few steps, you'll have a flavorful meal ready to serve.
1. Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Fluffy, hot rice serves as the perfect base for the flavorful beef.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring it's evenly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and a splash of sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the beef and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Assemble Your Bowl
Divide the cooked rice into bowls, then top with the savory beef mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Storage Options
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the beef and rice separate if possible to preserve the texture of each component.
- Freeze: The beef mixture freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm the beef in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate it. Microwave individual servings of rice and beef for quick meals.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a different take.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, add a dash of sriracha or gochujang to the sauce. For milder flavors, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
- Vegetable Boost: Add shredded carrots, zucchini, or baby spinach to the skillet while cooking the beef. They’ll soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.
- Sauce Alternatives: Experiment with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce in place of soy sauce for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping it for meals throughout the week, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and adaptable – everything you need in a go-to recipe. Don’t wait – grab your skillet and get cooking tonight!
PrintDelicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This delicious Korean ground beef bowl recipe is a quick and easy dish featuring savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring well.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or reducing red pepper flakes.
- Add steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680 mg
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