Korean Ground Beef Bowl a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish featuring savory ground beef, garlic, and ginger, served over rice with a hint of sweetness and spice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when I need a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly fast to make, perfect for hectic days.
The balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors makes it irresistible.
I can easily customize it with different vegetables or serve it in lettuce wraps.
It’s budget-friendly and requires minimal ingredients.
Leftovers taste just as good the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
If a thicker sauce is preferred, add the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve the beef over hot cooked rice and garnish with shredded carrots or additional green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380 kcal
Variations
Make it spicy – Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Try a low-carb version – Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of regular rice.
Add more veggies – Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Swap the protein – Use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu as an alternative to beef.
Make it gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating – Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if needed.
Freezing – The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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FAQs
How can I make this dish healthier?
I use lean ground beef and serve it over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option. Reducing the brown sugar slightly can also cut back on added sugar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The beef mixture can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
What can I serve with this dish?
I love pairing it with steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative, though I might add a little more sesame oil for richness.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! I often reduce the spice for kids and let everyone add their own heat with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a favorite in my household. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a dish that never gets boring.
📖 Recipe:
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Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl made with savory ground beef, garlic, and ginger, tossed in a sweet and spicy soy-based sauce. Served over rice, this 15-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize with veggies, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour over the beef mixture and stir well.
- Thicken (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the beef. Cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over hot cooked rice and garnish with shredded carrots or extra green onions if desired.
Notes
Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Extra veggies: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu as an alternative.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
