Name: Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional); 2 cups cooked white rice

There's nothing quite like a Korean Ground Beef Bowl when you're craving something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. This dish delivers bold, savory-sweet flavors with just a handful of pantry staples, making it a weeknight hero in our household.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for an easy way to recreate the flavors of Korean BBQ at home. Since then, it’s become my go-to for busy nights—ready in under 20 minutes and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps!

Why You'll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Get ready to fall in love with this effortless yet flavor-packed dish. Whether you're new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sure to impress.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and one skillet, you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less—perfect for those hectic evenings.

The flavors are irresistible. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, slightly sweet, and deeply savory sauce that coats the beef beautifully. A touch of sesame oil and red pepper flakes adds depth and a hint of heat.

It’s budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts like bulgogi or short ribs keeps this dish affordable while still delivering that classic Korean BBQ taste.

So versatile! Serve it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or even use it as a filling for tacos or Asian-style burritos. You can also customize the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Korean Ground Beef Bowl lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create a dish that’s bold, balanced, and full of umami.

Ground Beef – I recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor. A little fat keeps it juicy, but you don’t want it too greasy. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Soy Sauce – This is the backbone of the sauce. I prefer using low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness in check while still packing a punch of umami.

Brown Sugar – This adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. You can substitute honey or coconut sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetener.

Garlic & Ginger – These two ingredients are essential for achieving that signature Korean flavor. Freshly minced garlic and ginger provide the best taste, but if you’re short on time, pre-minced versions will work in a pinch.

Sesame Oil – Just a small amount of toasted sesame oil gives the dish a deep, nutty aroma. Be sure to add it at the end of cooking so the flavor stays strong.

Red Pepper Flakes – This adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less to suit your taste.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds – These finishing touches add freshness and a bit of crunch, making every bite even more enjoyable.

How To Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Making this Korean Ground Beef Bowl couldn’t be simpler. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in no time!

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving to the next step.

Once the beef is cooked, add the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as they can turn bitter.

Next, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting the sauce coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Turn off the heat and drizzle in the sesame oil. This step enhances the dish’s nutty aroma and gives it that signature Korean taste.

Serve immediately over warm white rice, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this Korean Ground Beef Bowl stores beautifully!

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a great meal prep option.

Freeze: This dish also freezes well! Allow the beef to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Swap the Protein – Try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Make It Spicier – Love heat? Add Gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.

Add Veggies – Stir in sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini for added color and nutrition. You can also toss in frozen peas or edamame for extra protein.

Go Low-Carb – Instead of rice, serve the beef over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.

Use a Different Sweetener – Brown sugar is classic, but you can use honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener as alternatives.

However you decide to enjoy it, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it tonight and see why it’s a favorite in so many households!