Name: Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds; Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber slices, fried egg, kimchi

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This delicious Korean ground beef bowl is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dish made with seasoned ground beef, rice, and fresh toppings. Inspired by Korean bulgogi, it’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami. I love how it comes together in under 30 minutes with ingredients I usually have in my pantry—making it a perfect go-to meal for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The ground beef is cooked with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, creating a rich and tasty glaze that soaks into the rice beautifully. It’s easy to customize with vegetables, quick to make, and so satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy Korean-inspired flavors without marinating or grilling.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
garlic cloves (minced)
soy sauce
brown sugar
sesame oil
ginger (fresh or ground)
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
cooked white or brown rice
green onions (sliced)
toasted sesame seeds
optional toppings: shredded carrots, cucumber slices, fried egg, kimchi

Directions

I heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
Once the beef is cooked through, I drain any excess fat and add minced garlic. I cook it for about a minute until fragrant.
I stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. I let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
I serve the beef mixture over hot cooked rice and top it with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and any optional toppings I’m in the mood for.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or shredded cabbage for extra veggies. When I want a low-carb version, I serve it over cauliflower rice. For more heat, I add a drizzle of gochujang or sriracha. I’ve also made this with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. The beef reheats well and is great for meal prep throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?

Yes, I often use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles, and the flavor still holds up really well.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes, but I can adjust the heat easily by adding or omitting them.

What kind of rice works best?

I usually serve it over jasmine or short-grain white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa work well too.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I cook the beef mixture ahead and store it separately from the rice. Then I assemble bowls when I’m ready to eat.

How do I make it more authentic?

For extra authenticity, I sometimes add a dash of mirin, a spoonful of gochujang, or top it with a fried egg—just like Korean bibimbap.

Conclusion

This Korean ground beef bowl is one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals. It’s rich, satisfying, and completely customizable with whatever toppings or sides I have on hand. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or whipping up dinner in a hurry, this recipe always hits the spot with its bold flavor and simple preparation.

Olivia