This Korean ground beef bowl is a quick and flavorful meal that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors right to your dinner table. Tender ground beef is seasoned with a savory and slightly sweet sauce, then served over a bed of fluffy rice. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want a satisfying dinner that’s rich in flavor without a lot of fuss.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Beef & Sauce
- Ground beef – 450 g (1 lb)
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves, minced – 3
- Fresh ginger, minced – 1 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional for heat)
- Salt—to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
To Serve
- Cooked rice – 2 cups (white, jasmine, or brown)
- Green onions – 2, sliced
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Optional toppings: sliced cucumber, kimchi, steamed vegetables, fried egg
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package directions so it’s ready by the time the beef is done.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and ginger; stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Continue cooking for a few more minutes so the sauce coats the beef and thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, spoon cooked rice into bowls and top with the seasoned beef.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like cucumber, kimchi, steamed veggies, or a fried egg for extra flavor and texture.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Course: Main
How to Store
- Cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it dries out.
- For meal prep, keep rice and beef in separate containers to preserve texture.
What Not to Do
- Do not overcook the beef—it should stay tender, not dry.
- Do not add sauces all at once; add a little at a time to avoid over-salting.
- Do not top with fresh garnishes until just before serving to keep them bright and fresh.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add grated carrots, steamed broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Swap brown rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
- Drizzle with sriracha or mix in gochujang for a spicier kick.
- Top with a soft-cooked egg for added richness and protein.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the rice according to package directions so it’s ready by the time the beef is done.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon.
- Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and ginger; stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Continue cooking for a few more minutes so the sauce coats the beef and thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, spoon cooked rice into bowls and top with the seasoned beef.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add optional toppings like cucumber, kimchi, steamed veggies, or a fried egg for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Fat: ~14 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Sugar: ~6 g
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes—cook the beef ahead and reheat for quick assembly later.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default; add chili flakes or a spicy sauce for heat.
What rice works best?
Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work—choose based on preference.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—steamed or sautéed veggies add color and nutrition.
