Korean Ground Beef Bowl
why make this recipe
Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a fantastic dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting ingredients. It’s simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With ground beef as the main ingredient, it adapts well to your taste preferences and is easy to customize. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies alongside the hearty beef and rice!
how to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend for flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Creating a Korean Ground Beef Bowl is easy when you follow these simple steps:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add Aromatics: Drain excess fat if necessary, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Vegetables: If using, add broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Prepare Rice: While the beef cooks, prep your rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- Serve: In bowls, serve the cooked rice topped with the savory ground beef mixture.
- Garnish: Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor boost.
These organized steps ensure that your Korean Ground Beef Bowl turns out delicious and satisfying every time!
how to serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Serve your Korean Ground Beef Bowl hot, right after cooking. This dish is great on its own as a main meal, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
how to store Korean Ground Beef Bowl
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Choose good quality beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
variation
For a healthier version, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also make it vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or lentils instead of meat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer.Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce.Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just cook the rice fresh for the best texture.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring bold flavors, ground beef, and customizable veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend for flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if necessary, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- If using, add broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- While the beef cooks, prep your rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- In bowls, serve the cooked rice topped with the savory ground beef mixture.
- Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor boost.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean, beef bowl, comfort food, quick meals, weeknight dinner