Name: Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain preferred)

This Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavor-packed weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. Imagine savory, sweet, and spicy ground beef spooned over warm jasmine rice and topped with scallions and sesame seeds – it’s like your favorite Korean BBQ, but simplified for home cooking.

The magic lies in the sauce: soy, garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil. It transforms humble ground beef into something utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re low on time or just want something comforting and satisfying, this dish is a go-to that never disappoints.

What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best?

For this bowl, use lean ground beef (around 90/10) for the best balance between flavor and less grease. However, any variety will work—just be sure to drain the excess fat if needed.

Ingredients for the Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain preferred)

Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl (1)

How To Make the Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make It Saucy

Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and absorbs.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the flavorful beef over warm rice. Top with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Serve your Korean beef over freshly steamed jasmine rice, or go low-carb with cauliflower rice. For added crunch and freshness, throw in shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, or kimchi on the side.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to freshen up the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives and work wonderfully with the same sauce.

What kind of rice should I serve this with?

Jasmine or short-grain white rice are ideal for their sticky texture, but brown rice or even quinoa works for a healthier option.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat is mild and optional. You can leave out the crushed red pepper or increase it depending on your spice tolerance.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! This recipe is meal-prep friendly. Make a double batch and portion it out with rice and veggies in containers.

What vegetables go well with this?

Try shredded carrots, sautéed spinach, sliced cucumbers, or even a fried egg on top for a full Korean-inspired bowl.

Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Yes, the beef freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Want More Easy Dinner Ideas?

If you love this quick Korean-style beef bowl, you might also enjoy:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need a fast, flavorful meal.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a fried egg or extra veggies? Maybe even swap in tofu? I love seeing how you customize these bowls. Ask questions too—I’m always here to help with dinner dilemmas.

Find more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest @NinaDishes

Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Quick and Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a 20-minute dinner that brings bold flavor to your table fast. Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy beef is served over warm rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds. It’s a budget-friendly and comforting meal you’ll keep coming back to.

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

2. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and absorbs.

4. Spoon the flavorful beef over warm rice. Top with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.