Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal made with seasoned ground beef, served over rice, and topped with fresh veggies. Inspired by Korean bulgogi, this dish delivers sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses ground beef instead of expensive cuts of meat.
• Sweet, Savory & Spicy – A perfect balance of flavors with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
• Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or serve with different grains.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats easily for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• Ground beef
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Black pepper

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice or brown rice
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Fried egg (optional, for extra richness)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Beef:

1. Heat a Pan – In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the Beef – Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add Flavor – Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Finish – Stir in chopped green onions and a dash of black pepper.

Assemble the Bowl:

5. Prepare the Rice – Spoon cooked rice into bowls.
6. Top with Beef – Add the seasoned ground beef over the rice.
7. Add Veggies – Arrange steamed or stir-fried vegetables on top.
8. Optional Toppings – Garnish with sesame seeds, a fried egg, or extra green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
• Different Protein – Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
• Extra Veggies – Mix in shredded cabbage, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked beef for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

What can I serve with this dish?

Try it with kimchi, a side of pickled cucumbers, or miso soup.

How do I make it less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales easily—just use a larger pan.

Do I have to use sesame oil?

No, but it adds great flavor! You can substitute olive or vegetable oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well and is great for meal prep.

What’s the best rice to serve it with?

Jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice all work well.

Can I add more sauce?

Absolutely! Increase the soy sauce and brown sugar slightly for extra sauciness.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Reduce the spice level to make it more kid-friendly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Use crumbled tofu or mushrooms instead of beef.

Conclusion

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is an easy, flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes! With its sweet-savory sauce, tender beef, and customizable toppings, it’s a perfect go-to dinner for busy nights. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade take on a Korean-inspired favorite!

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