Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark); 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a meal that checks all the boxes: easy, fast, flavorful, and made with ingredients you probably already have. That’s exactly what this Korean ground beef bowl brings to the table. I remember the first time I made it on a whim, trying to satisfy my husband’s craving for takeout without dialing a number. I browned some beef, tossed in soy sauce, garlic, a pinch of sugar, and just like that, dinner was done in 20 minutes.

He took one bite, looked at me, and said, “Please make this every week.” So, I did. And over time, I tweaked it until it became one of our most-loved staples; satisfying like a comfort food, but quick enough for weeknights.

In this post, you’ll find out why this beef and rice bowl deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation, how to make it with step-by-step ease, tips to make it your own, and answers to common questions.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Simple and fast, but big on flavor

This dish proves that simplicity doesn’t mean boring. Ground beef soaks up a deeply savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then served over steaming rice with a sprinkle of scallions. It’s got that sweet-salty umami punch you’d expect from takeout, but it’s made in one skillet; no marinating, no fancy prep.

Even better? It takes less than 25 minutes start to finish, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday cravings. Just like this Chinese Pepper Steak, the magic is in the sauce.

Family-friendly, customizable, and budget-smart

Kids love it. Grown-ups love it. And your grocery budget will too. Ground beef is affordable and versatile, and you can serve this Korean-inspired beef bowl over white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or tucked into lettuce wraps. Don’t be surprised if it turns into your fallback dinner option; because it’s just that reliable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this beef bowl to life. You probably already have most of it:

1 lb lean ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups cooked white rice (or rice of choice)
2 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

This is similar in pantry-friendliness to our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, another quick-fix flavor bomb.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step-by-step instructions

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Pour in the sauce: Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Assemble and serve: Spoon the savory beef mixture over hot rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Pair it with some steamed broccoli or quick cucumber salad on the side for a well-rounded meal, just like in this Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken idea that makes weeknight dinners effortless.

Tips and Variations

Make it your own

Want it spicier? Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or more red pepper flakes.
Add veggies: Stir in shredded carrots, zucchini, or baby spinach during the final minute of cooking.
Swap the meat: Try ground turkey or plant-based ground for a lighter option.

Storage and meal prep

This dish stores beautifully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Double the batch and use it in different ways; tucked into lettuce cups or paired with stir-fried veggies. That’s how we stretch it across multiple meals, much like our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this different from traditional bulgogi?
Traditional Korean bulgogi is made with thinly sliced steak, often marinated in a pear-based sauce. This version is a simplified, quick-cook spin using ground beef and pantry ingredients, making it weeknight-friendly.

Can I use cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Cauliflower rice works great and makes this meal low-carb. Just sauté it separately and serve the beef mixture on top.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cook and cool the beef mixture, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently in a skillet.

How do I make this less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or substitute with honey or coconut sugar. The flavor will still be rich and balanced without being overly sweet.

Final Thoughts

This Korean ground beef bowl is one of those special meals that checks every box: quick, flavorful, affordable, and endlessly customizable. It delivers that satisfying “takeout at home” flavor without the wait, and in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just too tired to think, this easy beef and rice bowl has your back. And if you loved this, try our Chinese Beef and Broccoli next; it brings the same quick satisfaction, with a twist of veggie goodness.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Korean Ground Beef Bowl