why make this recipe
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is fast, full of flavor, and uses few ingredients. It fits busy nights when you want a warm, tasty meal without much work.
introduction
This bowl mixes savory soy and brown sugar with garlic and sesame for a sweet-salty taste. It cooks in one pan and takes about 10 minutes to make. If you like quick ground beef dinners, try a different style like 30-minute ground beef stroganoff for another easy meal idea.
how to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Heat a skillet, brown the beef, add garlic, and then the sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce is slightly thick. You can change the texture or bake it into a casserole if you want a different finish, like in a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the beef mixture over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
how to serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Spoon the beef over hot rice. Top with sliced green onions. Add steamed vegetables or a fried egg if you like. Serve with a side of pickled radish or simple cucumber salad for freshness.
how to store Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Cool the beef and rice to room temperature before storing. Put in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze the beef in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Use medium-high heat to brown the beef well for better flavor.
- Taste the sauce and add a little more brown sugar or soy if you want sweeter or saltier.
- For a creamier side or mix-in idea, try recipes like creamy rotel pasta with ground beef for inspiration.
- If you use lean beef, you may not need to drain fat.
variation (if any)
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add chopped carrots or bell peppers to the skillet for more vegetables.
- Toss in a little gochujang (Korean chili paste) for deeper spice and flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and cook in batches if needed.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not unless you add the red pepper flakes or gochujang. Keep it mild by skipping the flakes.
Q: Can I use ground pork?
A: Yes. Ground pork or a mix of beef and pork work fine.
Conclusion
For another take on this dish and ideas for serving, see the full recipe guide at Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls on The Recipe Critic.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the beef mixture over hot cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.