Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but short on time? This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your new weeknight hero. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ground beef into an incredibly savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something more exciting than takeout but just as fast.
We’re combining lean ground beef with a powerhouse sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh garnishes, this dish delivers a complete and delicious experience with minimal effort. Get ready to put this easy Korean ground beef bowl on your regular dinner rotation.
Why This Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, you need recipes that are reliable, quick, and delicious. This one checks every box.
Incredibly Fast: From skillet to table in just 20 minutes, it’s faster than ordering and waiting for delivery.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the sauce ingredients in your pantry already.
One-Pan Meal: The beef and sauce cook together in a single skillet, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite steamed vegetables to make it your own. For another easy one-pan meal, try this Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (coming soon).
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Flavor
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature Korean-inspired flavor.
Dinner is served! These bowls are as beautiful as they are delicious.
For the Beef and Sauce
Lean Ground Beef: We recommend 90/10 or 85/15 for the best flavor without being overly greasy.
Soy Sauce: The savory, umami backbone of the sauce. Use low-sodium to better control the saltiness.
Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that is essential to the dish.
Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger create an aromatic and zesty base.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens up all the flavors.
For Serving
Cooked Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly.
Sesame Seeds: For a nutty garnish and a bit of texture.
Green Onions: Sliced thin, they add a fresh, mild oniony bite.
Optional Veggies: Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sautéed spinach are fantastic additions.
How to Make the Best Korean Ground Beef Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide
This simple process guarantees a perfect result every time. Follow these steps for a delicious and quick dinner.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Drain the Fat: Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Simmer with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef. Stir well to coat everything and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Bowls: Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over bowls of warm, cooked rice. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
The simple sauce comes together in minutes and makes the ground beef irresistible.
Tips for the Best Beef Bowl
Want to elevate your Korean ground beef bowl? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown the beef until it’s just cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
Toast Your Sesame Seeds: For extra flavor, toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
Grate, Don’t Chop: Use a microplane or fine grater for the ginger and garlic. This releases more flavor and helps them dissolve seamlessly into the sauce.
Let it Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer with the beef is crucial. It thickens the sauce and ensures every bit of meat is coated in flavor. If you’re looking for another comforting dish, this easy cabbage roll soup (coming soon) is a fantastic choice.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a wonderful base for creativity. Try one of these simple variations to switch things up.
Make it Spicy: Add a tablespoon of Gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a deeper, spicier flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Stir in some shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or edamame during the last few minutes of cooking to boost the nutritional value.
Change the Protein: This sauce works beautifully with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. You might also enjoy our ground turkey and sweet potato bake.
Make it a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb alternative, serve the beef mixture in crisp lettuce cups instead of over rice.
What to Serve with Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl
While this is a fantastic one-bowl meal, you can round it out with some simple sides. A side of steamed or roasted broccoli, quick-pickled cucumbers, or a simple kimchi from the store are all excellent choices that complement the flavors of the beef perfectly.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Korean ground beef bowl makes for fantastic leftovers. Store the beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through. It’s best to store the rice and garnishes separately.
This recipe has a very mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the amount to your preference. For no spice, simply omit them. For more heat, add extra flakes or a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
This recipe is very versatile! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. For a vegetarian option, crumbled firm tofu or plant-based grounds work wonderfully with the same sauce.
While it’s a complete meal on its own, this bowl pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, pickled cucumbers, or kimchi. A fried egg on top is also a delicious addition.
Store the leftover ground beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. It’s best to store the rice and toppings separately.
Yes, absolutely. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check your labels.
Share Your Creation!
If you make this Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe, let us know what you think! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share a picture of your amazing dinner on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see how it turned out!
This 20-minute Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers!
Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
FL Recipes
Korean Ground Beef Bowl (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
An incredibly fast, easy, and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Stir to coat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Spoon the Korean ground beef over bowls of warm rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 22gFiber: 2g
Notes
For extra flavor: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Storage: Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
