Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delicious, savory dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Holly James

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:15:37.305Z

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl combines the rich flavors of Korean cuisine with the convenience of a quick meal. The sweet and savory sauce, paired with tender ground beef, makes it a dish everyone will love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Savory and sweet flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds
  • Quick preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights
  • One-pot meal for easy cleanup

A Flavorful Fusion

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl beautifully combines sweet and savory flavors that are hallmarks of Korean cuisine. The marriage of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the ground beef, making every bite a burst of flavor. Adding garlic and ginger enhances the dish, infusing it with aromatic notes that elevate the overall taste.

What sets this dish apart is the balance of flavors. The sweetness from the brown sugar contrasts perfectly with the umami of the soy sauce, while the red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that brings depth to the dish. This delightful combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Quick and Convenient

In our fast-paced lives, finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. This recipe is designed for those busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With a total preparation and cooking time of under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle.

The one-pot nature of this dish means you’ll have less to clean up afterward, making it even more appealing. Simply cook the beef, add in the sauce, and serve it over rice. It’s the kind of meal that allows you to spend more time with your family and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility. While the recipe provides a delicious base, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the beef mixture for added nutrition and crunch. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Additionally, this dish pairs well with various toppings. Consider adding a fried egg on top for extra protein or some kimchi for a traditional Korean touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish your own each time you prepare it.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bowl

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a bowl before cooking.

Steps to Prepare

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the Sauce

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until well combined and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious Korean ground beef bowl!

Tips for Perfecting Your Bowl

To ensure your ground beef cooks evenly, break it apart with a spatula as it browns in the skillet. This will help achieve that nice, caramelized texture and prevent clumping. Additionally, draining excess fat is crucial for balancing the flavors and keeping your dish from being too greasy.

When adding the sauce ingredients, make sure to stir them well to dissolve the brown sugar completely. This will create a smooth sauce that envelops the beef beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a little longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is a breeze—simply warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

For longer storage, consider freezing the beef mixture. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This beef bowl is great on its own, but you can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delicious, savory dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Holly James

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. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  3. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  4. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  7. 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  8. 2 green onions, chopped
  9. 2 cups cooked rice
  10. Sesame seeds for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 02

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until well combined and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 03

Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 990mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 25g