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

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This quick and easy Korean ground beef bowl is a flavorful, weeknight-friendly meal that’s packed with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. I love serving it over steamed rice with fresh veggies for a delicious and satisfying dish in under 30 minutes.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast this comes together with simple pantry ingredients. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and ground beef cooks in minutes. It’s my go-to when I want bold flavor without much effort—and it’s endlessly customizable. Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Ingredients

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

Ground beef
Garlic (minced)
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Sesame oil
Ground ginger
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooked white or brown rice
Green onions (sliced)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Shredded carrots or cucumber (optional toppings)

Directions

I heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
I drain any excess fat, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
I add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. I stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
I serve the beef over a bowl of warm rice.
I top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional veggies like shredded carrots or cucumber for crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook—ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
For a low-carb version, I serve it over cauliflower rice.
I add steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to make it a full meal.
A fried egg on top makes it even more filling and delicious.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. It’s great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

FAQs

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, I add more red pepper flakes, gochujang, or even a little sriracha if I want more heat.

What rice is best for this bowl?

I like jasmine or short-grain white rice, but brown rice or even quinoa works well too.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?

Yes, I grate about 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger in place of the ground ginger for more bite and aroma.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

It is! I adjust the spice level by reducing or skipping the red pepper flakes.

Can I use this beef in other dishes?

Definitely. I’ve used the same beef in lettuce wraps, tacos, or mixed into noodles.

Conclusion

Quick and easy Korean ground beef bowls are one of my favorite weeknight meals. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding the whole family or meal prepping for myself, this recipe is always a hit.