Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delightful blend of savory flavors and quick preparation, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Elodie Brooks

Created by

Elodie Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:40:56.191Z

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines the richness of ground beef with a sweet and savory sauce that will leave you wanting more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes
  • Flavorful and satisfying, perfect for any meal
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings

A Taste of Korea at Home

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and comforting dishes, and this Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl captures that essence beautifully. With the perfect balance of savory and sweet, this recipe brings a delightful twist to your dinner table. Using ground beef as the star ingredient, it provides a hearty base that absorbs the rich flavors of the marinade, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry. This makes it not only quick to prepare but also cost-effective. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Customizing Your Bowl

The beauty of the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility. While the recipe provides a fantastic base, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a boost of nutrition, consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These can be quickly sautéed in the same skillet as the beef for a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and colorful.

Additionally, you can switch up the toppings to create your perfect bowl. Try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness or pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or cauliflower rice, to make it a lighter option. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is perfect for a family dinner, but it also makes an excellent option for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy a delicious meal in minutes, making it a fantastic choice for lunch at work or school.

For a complete dining experience, consider pairing this dish with traditional Korean sides such as kimchi or a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides add a lovely balance to the meal and enhance the overall flavor profile. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing with loved ones, this bowl is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bowl

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or broccoli for added nutrition.

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Flavor

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir well to combine, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve

Divide the cooked beef mixture over bowls of rice. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

This dish can be served with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef

When cooking ground beef, it's essential to choose a quality meat for the best flavor and texture. Look for ground beef with a fat content between 80% and 85%, as this will provide enough juiciness without being overly greasy. Remember to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and a tender final dish.

Another tip is to let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite. If you prefer leaner beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

Storing and Reheating

To store your Korean Ground Beef Bowl, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the beef mixture. It freezes well and can be kept for up to three months. Just remember to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This quick reheating method helps to retain the beef's flavor and keep it succulent.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delightful blend of savory flavors and quick preparation, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Elodie Brooks

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Beef Bowl

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  3. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  4. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  7. 4 green onions, chopped
  8. Cooked rice, for serving
  9. Sesame seeds, for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir well to combine, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 03

Divide the cooked beef mixture over bowls of rice. Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g