Name: Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Cooked white rice, for serving; Steamed broccoli or veggies (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for how fast it comes together without skimping on flavor. The ground beef cooks in one pan and soaks up a delicious sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. Served over rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Cooked white rice, for serving
Steamed broccoli or other veggies (optional)

directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

Next, I add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

I stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, and red pepper flakes. I let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef well.

I taste and adjust the seasoning to balance the sweet, savory, and spicy notes to my liking.

To serve, I spoon the beef mixture over warm rice.

I top it off with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For more color and nutrition, I often add steamed broccoli or other veggies on the side.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Kcal: ~400 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. I’ve also stirred in shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra veggies. If I’m in the mood for crunch, I add chopped kimchi or cucumber slices on top.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet or the microwave until heated through. It also makes a great meal prep option for lunches.

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, I simply reduce or omit the gochujang and red pepper flakes.

What rice works best for this bowl?

I usually use jasmine or white rice, but brown rice or cauliflower rice also work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I just use a large skillet and cook the beef in batches if needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be if I use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that the gochujang is certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the beef mixture?

Yes, I freeze it in portions and reheat it when I need a quick meal.

Conclusion

Delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something savory and fast. The sauce is flavorful, the beef is juicy, and it pairs perfectly with rice and veggies. It’s a simple dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort.