As the air turns crisp and the trees start showing off their fiery red and golden leaves, there’s something deeply comforting about a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Enter: the Korean Ground Beef Bowl — a reader favorite that’s as satisfying as your favorite cozy sweater and just as easy to fall in love with.
Packed with sweet-savory flavor, kissed with a hint of garlic and sesame, and served warm over fluffy rice, this easy bowl recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet totally comforting. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples and adapts beautifully to seasonal sides like roasted squash, sautéed greens, or even a sprinkle of fresh apple matchsticks for crunch. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a cozy dinner for two, this dish checks all the boxes.
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
As the air turns crisp and the trees start showing off their fiery red and golden leaves, there’s something deeply comforting about a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Enter: the Korean Ground Beef Bowl — a reader favorite that’s as satisfying as your favorite cozy sweater and just as easy to fall in love with. Packed with sweet-savory flavor, kissed with a hint of garlic and sesame, and served warm over fluffy rice, this easy bowl recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet totally comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a natural swap)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Optional: steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, kimchi, or a fried egg
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink — about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef.
- Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the beef beautifully.
- Spoon warm rice into bowls. Top with the flavorful ground beef, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, the green parts of the green onion, and any optional toppings you like (like sautéed veggies or a sunny-side-up egg).
Notes
Use fresh ginger and garlic for bold flavor. Don’t skip the sweet element—it balances the dish. Double the sauce if serving with lots of rice or veggies. Create a DIY bowl bar for a customizable dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful. You probably have most of these ingredients on hand!
For the beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean works best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a natural swap)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
For serving:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Optional: steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, kimchi, or a fried egg
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this Korean Ground Beef Bowl super approachable. Here’s how to make it:
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink — about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make It Saucy
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef.
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the beef beautifully.
4. Assemble Your Bowl
Spoon warm rice into bowls. Top with the flavorful ground beef, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, the green parts of the green onion, and any optional toppings you like (like sautéed veggies or a sunny-side-up egg).
🌟 Tips for Success
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: These bring out the bold flavors that make this dish shine.
- Don’t skip the brown sugar: That sweet element is what balances the savory and salty components so well — it’s what gives Korean dishes their irresistible umami.
- Double the sauce if you’re serving with lots of rice or veggies that’ll soak it up.
- Make it a bowl bar: Let everyone build their own bowls with different toppings — it’s fun and customizable!
🔄 Variations to Try
This dish is endlessly flexible. Here are some reader-favorite twists:
🌾 Gluten-Free Option
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Always check labels to ensure your sesame oil and spices are certified gluten-free.
🌱 Make it Meatless
- Swap ground beef for plant-based ground crumbles or crumbled tofu. Sauté tofu a little longer to get crispy edges for added texture.
🥦 Add More Veggies
- Stir in shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve it over cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl.
🍳 Add a Topping
- A fried or poached egg adds richness and makes the bowl feel more indulgent.
- A drizzle of sriracha mayo or gochujang (Korean chili paste) gives an extra punch of flavor.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to make it last:
- Fridge: Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep rice and toppings separate for best results.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce.
- Reheating: Microwave with a damp paper towel over the bowl to retain moisture, or reheat in a pan for a fresher texture.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the kind of no-fuss dinner that brings people together — it’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s also the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when fall rolls around and you’re craving something hearty and homey.
So grab your skillet, put on your coziest sweater, and treat yourself to a bowl full of flavor and comfort. You’ve got this!