Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Name: Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 cup green onions, chopped; 1 cup cooked rice; Sesame seeds for garnish; Sliced cucumbers; Kimchi (optional); Additional green onions

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it's a family favorite!

Created by

Harriet Mason

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:00:35.371Z

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is inspired by traditional Korean flavors, making it a quick and easy dinner option that doesn't skimp on taste. The sweet and savory sauce combined with tender ground beef makes for a hearty meal everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile
Quick preparation that's perfect for weeknight dinners
Versatile – customize with your favorite veggies

      

A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is not just another weeknight dinner; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors that will please the whole family. The combination of savory beef, sweet brown sugar, and the nutty aroma of sesame oil come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With all the ingredients cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or adventurous palates, this dish can be tailored to suit everyone's tastes, making it a perfect choice for family dinners.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best features of this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is its versatility. You can easily mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Add vibrant bell peppers, crunchy carrots, or even leafy greens to enhance the nutritional value and add color to your dish. This flexibility makes it a fantastic option for using up leftover produce in your fridge.

Additionally, you can adjust the level of sweetness and spice to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, reducing the brown sugar will still yield a deliciously savory result.

Quick Cooking Tips

To make this dish even quicker, consider using pre-cooked rice or frozen veggies. Simply heat the rice in the microwave while cooking the beef, and you can have dinner on the table in record time. This is a helpful trick for those busy weeknights when you need a meal fast without sacrificing flavor.

Another time-saving tip is to prepare the sauce ingredients in advance. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small container and store it in the fridge. This allows you to simply pour it in while cooking, cutting down on prep time and making the cooking process even smoother.

Ingredients

For the Beef Bowl

1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 cup cooked rice
Sesame seeds for garnish

For Serving

Sliced cucumbers
Kimchi (optional)
Additional green onions

Feel free to add any additional vegetables or spices to suit your taste!

Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Drain excess fat from the skillet. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to combine and let simmer for another 3-5 minutes.

Serve the Bowl

To serve, place a scoop of rice in a bowl, top with the Korean beef mixture, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add sliced cucumbers and kimchi on the side, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your serving experience, consider offering a variety of toppings. Beyond the green onions and sesame seeds, you could include sliced radishes, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of spicy mayo. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add delightful textures to your meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of tang, serving kimchi on the side can be a fantastic complement to the rich flavors of the beef. Not only does it introduce a refreshing element, but it also adds a probiotic boost to your dinner, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully, and you can simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the rice has dried out a bit, add a splash of water to help rehydrate it while reheating.

For longer storage, consider freezing the beef mixture without the rice. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just thaw and reheat, then serve over freshly cooked rice for a quick meal that tastes just as good as the first time.

Nutritional Benefits

This Quick Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a balanced meal. Ground beef is a great source of protein, helping to keep you full and energized. The inclusion of green onions adds vitamins A and K, while incorporating vegetables can provide additional fiber and nutrients.

By customizing your bowl with various vegetables, you can significantly increase its nutritional value. Options like spinach or broccoli offer antioxidants, while carrots add beta-carotene. This way, you can enjoy a hearty meal that also supports your health and well-being.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, pickled radishes, or a simple salad.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.