Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! It’s super easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick meal.

As a Korean, I love making Korean Ground Beef Bowl because it is simple, quick, and flavorful. When I make it, the smell of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil fills the kitchen, making everyone excited for dinner. This dish is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, and my family enjoys it for lunch or dinner. It’s always a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. So, it will be my first choice when I need something easy yet delicious.
I make this dish about once a week because it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and tastes amazing. I always add a little garlic and ginger for extra flavor when I cook it. I love serving it over warm rice with fresh vegetables on the side like cucumbers or shredded carrots. Sometimes, I also top it with a fried egg for a more filling meal.
You can also add some other ingredients like bell peppers or broccoli if you like extra vegetables, and the result is just wow! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect meal, this dish never disappoints.
For serving, I prefer pairing it with steamed rice and a side of kimchi. Some toasted sesame seeds on top make it even better. This recipe is super easy to make and great for busy days when you want something tasty but don’t have much time.
Why You Need to Try Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the perfect dish when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Plus, it is budget-friendly and requires only a few ingredients, making it great for everyday meals.
Perfect For:
- Busy Weeknights: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you need a quick and easy meal.
- Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and have delicious meals ready for the week.
- Family Meals: The sweet and savory flavors make it a favorite for both kids and adults. Everyone will love it!
- Healthy Eating: You can serve it with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal without losing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- A large skillet for cooking the beef
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- A sharp knife for chopping ingredients
- A small bowl for mixing the sauce
- Measuring spoons for accuracy
- A rice cooker or pot for cooking rice

How to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Step 1:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 3:
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef absorbs the flavors.
Step 4:
Sprinkle chopped green onions into the skillet and stir. Let cook for another minute.
Step 5:
Spoon the beef mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and shredded carrots if using.
Additional Tips To Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Use lean ground beef for less grease and a healthier dish. If using fatty beef, drain the extra oil.
- Cook the beef over medium heat to prevent it from drying out while keeping it juicy.
- Fresh garlic and ginger add the best flavor, so try not to skip them.
- Taste the sauce before adding it to the beef and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- Add the sauce after the beef is fully cooked so it absorbs all the flavors well.
- For a spicier version, add a bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes.
Optional Ingredients
- Bell Peppers – Add sliced bell peppers for a crunchy texture and extra color.
- Broccoli – Stir-fry some broccoli with the beef for a nutrient boost.
- Carrots – Shredded carrots add a slight sweetness and bright color.
- Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms give an earthy flavor and enhance the dish.
- Fried Egg – Top with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.
- Gochujang – Mix in some gochujang for a spicy kick.
How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
My favorite way to serve this dish is over warm, fluffy white rice. The beef’s sweet and savory flavors mix perfectly with the rice, making every bite delicious.
You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a fresh and low-carb option. The crispy lettuce balances the warm beef, making it a great meal for lighter eating.
For a fun twist, try serving it in a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and a drizzle of sriracha. This makes it a fusion-style meal that’s both filling and healthy.
Recipe Variations To Try!
Spicy Korean Beef Bowl: Add gochujang or sriracha for extra heat.
Teriyaki Style: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter taste.
Korean BBQ Inspired: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
Vegan Version: Use crumbled tofu or plant-based meat instead of beef.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Extra Veggie Bowl: Mix in stir-fried zucchini, spinach, or green beans.
How to Store
To store leftovers, place the beef in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to eat.
FAQ
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works well as a lighter alternative. Just adjust the seasoning if needed since they have a milder flavor.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
If you’re using beef with a higher fat content, draining excess fat helps prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. If using lean beef, you may not need to drain it.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add gochujang (Korean chili paste), red pepper flakes, or sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
What type of rice works best with this dish?
White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice works well. Jasmine or short-grain rice gives the best texture.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! Store the beef and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mix the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to a week. This makes cooking even faster.
How can I add more vegetables?
You can stir in bell peppers, broccoli, shredded carrots, or mushrooms while cooking the beef for extra nutrition.
Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos are a great gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce with a slightly sweeter taste.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?
Avoid overcooking the beef and cook it on medium heat. Adding a little beef broth or water can keep it moist.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Course: MainCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesThis Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! It’s super easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef absorbs the flavors.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions into the skillet and stir. Let cook for another minute.
- Spoon the beef mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and shredded carrots if using.
Notes
- Cook the beef over medium heat to prevent it from drying out while keeping it juicy.