This easy and wildly flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl brings the bold tastes of Korean cuisine Main Course. Succulent, savory ground beef is simmered in a rich, sweet-and-salty sauce, served over fluffy rice, and topped with fresh veggies for a meal that feels like a big, warm hug. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that disappears fast—trust me, you’ll be dreaming about making it again before you’ve even finished your first bowl!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is how simple each ingredient is, yet together they create something truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters for your perfect Korean Ground Beef Bowl adventure.

Lean ground beef: The star of the show—choosing lean keeps things flavorful, hearty, and extra satisfying without too much grease.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses every bite with that essential punchy aroma you just can’t fake.
Fresh ginger (grated): Don’t skip it! Ginger adds a subtle heat and freshness that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings in salty, umami depth without overpowering the bowl; low-sodium lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness and gloss to the sauce—it’s key for that classic Korean beef flavor.
Sesame oil: A few drops deliver deep, toasty aroma and nutty depth to the finished dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Toss these in if you want a little heat; totally customizable for every palate.
Green onions (sliced): These bring color, crunch, and a fresh pop to round out the bowl.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle these on for subtle crunch and a toasty finish.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy rice is the perfect backdrop, soaking up all that delicious sauce and balancing each flavor.
Shredded carrots: Their crunch and sweetness add color and freshness that really brighten up each bowl.
Steamed broccoli: This green goodness gives the dish nutrition, color, and a tender, mild flavor the whole family will love.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon, letting it sizzle until it’s evenly browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it off—you want the final bowl to be rich, but not greasy. This foundation is what makes the Korean Ground Beef Bowl so irresistibly hearty.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger

With your beef perfectly browned, it’s time to build those signature flavors. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and let them cook for about a minute or two. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track! These two ingredients are vital for bringing that authentic, crave-worthy kick to your bowl.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce

Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and, if you like a bit of heat, those red pepper flakes. Give everything a thorough stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. The sauce will gently reduce and coat the beef, getting glossy and rich. This is when pure magic happens—the beef soaks up every bit of flavor, transforming into the delicious heart of the Korean Ground Beef Bowl.

Step 4: Add Freshness

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half the green onions. Their crisp, oniony bite brings a pop of freshness that wakes up the whole bowl. Save the rest for sprinkling on top right before serving for maximum color and crunch.

Step 5: Assembly Time

Spoon warm, fluffy cooked rice into each bowl—this is your canvas. Top generously with the saucy Korean ground beef, then pile on the shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, and a scatter of the remaining green onions. Finish with a shower of sesame seeds for crunch and toasty flavor. Grab a fork or chopsticks, and enjoy!

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Garnishes

A classic sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra green onions add texture, freshness, and a pretty pop of color to each Korean Ground Beef Bowl. You can also add a few chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you’re feeling spicy, or go the extra mile with a fried egg on top—totally restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This bowl is honestly a full meal by itself, but pairing it with quick pickled cucumbers or kimchi brings a tangy, probiotic punch that balances the rich, sweet beef. A simple miso soup or a light salad with sesame dressing also plays very nicely here.

Creative Ways to Present

Crowd to please? Transform your Korean Ground Beef Bowl into handheld lettuce wraps for a party vibe, or load up mini rice bowls for a fun, deconstructed take. You can even serve the beef over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or roll everything into a sushi burrito for something totally different!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl components store beautifully. Scoop any leftovers into airtight containers—keeping rice, veggies, and beef separate works best to maintain the best texture. Everything keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making lunch prep an absolute breeze.

Freezing

The beef mixture alone freezes like a dream! Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from the freezer when those busy weeknights hit.

Reheating

Reheat the beef gently in a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to keep things moist. For the veggies, a quick microwave zap does the trick. Serve everything over fresh or reheated rice, and your Korean Ground Beef Bowl will taste just as delicious as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I make Korean Ground Beef Bowl with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are fantastic lean alternatives and work really well with the bold, sweet-salty flavors. Just keep in mind they’re milder than beef, so taste and season as you go for big, satisfying flavor.

What vegetables can I use if I don’t have carrots or broccoli?

You can swap in just about any crisp or steamed veggies that you love or have on hand—think snap peas, bell peppers, baby spinach, or even shredded cabbage. This recipe is perfect for cleaning out the fridge!

How do I make it gluten-free?

Easy fix: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that the other ingredients you choose (like brown sugar and sesame oil) are labeled gluten-free.

Can I meal prep Korean Ground Beef Bowl for the week?

Definitely! This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. Portion rice, beef, and veggies into containers, refrigerate, and grab them for satisfying lunches or speedy dinners all week. Wait to add garnishes like green onion and sesame seeds until just before eating for the best texture.

Is this Korean Ground Beef Bowl spicy?

It has a gentle kick if you use the red pepper flakes, but you’re totally in control. Leave them out for a milder meal, or add extra if you love spice—so family-friendly and customizable!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast, comforting, and wildly flavorful, you really can’t go wrong with a Korean Ground Beef Bowl. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh—scoop it up, share it around, and enjoy discovering just how easy it is to bring a taste of Korea to your table tonight!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice, this flavorful beef bowl is served over steamed rice with vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Korean Ground Beef:

1 pound lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For Serving:

2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup steamed broccoli

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Flavor: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, mix in half of the green onions. Serve over cooked rice with shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, remaining green onions, and sesame seeds.