There's nothing quite like the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of a Korean Ground Beef Bowl to make dinnertime exciting. This easy, one-pan meal is packed with umami-rich beef, caramelized onions, and a bold, garlicky sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.

I first made this dish on a night when I needed something quick, filling, and packed with flavor. Inspired by classic Korean bulgogi, this shortcut version uses ground beef instead of sliced steak, making it affordable and effortless without sacrificing taste. Now, it's a staple in my weekly meal rotation!
Why You'll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Get ready to add this Korean Ground Beef Bowl to your list of go-to meals. It’s the perfect balance of bold flavors and effortless cooking, making it a must-try for busy weeknights.
First, it's incredibly quick and easy—you can have this dish on the table in just 20 minutes! With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s a stress-free dinner that delivers big flavor without the hassle.
Next, it’s budget-friendly. Ground beef is much more affordable than traditional bulgogi cuts, but when cooked in a savory-sweet sauce, it tastes just as indulgent. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples!
It’s also family-friendly. Even picky eaters love the balance of sweet and savory flavors. If you have little ones who don’t like spice, you can easily adjust the heat level to their preference.
Lastly, it’s versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, toss it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with noodles—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this flavorful dish.
Whether you're in a hurry or just craving something delicious, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients Notes

This dish comes together with simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Let’s break them down!
- Ground Beef – The star of the dish! I prefer 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor, but leaner options work too. You can also swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
- Soy Sauce – The foundation of the sauce, giving it that rich, umami depth. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the salty soy sauce. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper caramelized flavor, but light brown sugar works just as well.
- Garlic & Ginger – These aromatics bring the authentic Korean flavor. Freshly minced garlic and ginger give the best taste, but in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger will work.
- Sesame Oil – A small amount of toasted sesame oil enhances the nutty, rich undertones of the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient—it’s key!
- Red Pepper Flakes (Gochugaru) – For a bit of heat! Adjust to your spice preference, or swap for Sriracha if you want extra kick.
- Green Onions – These add a fresh, slightly peppery bite to balance the richness of the beef. Use both the white and green parts for maximum flavor.
- Rice – White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all work well as a base for this dish.
Special Equipment
- A large skillet or wok to evenly brown the beef
- A wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up the meat
- A rice cooker (optional) to make perfectly fluffy rice
How to Make This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This dish is all about simplicity and speed. Here’s how to make it step by step.
- Cook the Rice
Start by preparing your rice so it’s ready when the beef is done. You can use a rice cooker, stovetop, or even microwaveable rice for convenience. - Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Drain Excess Grease (If Needed)
If using fattier ground beef, drain any excess grease, but leave a little behind for flavor. - Add Garlic & Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the beef with delicious aromatic flavors. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour it into the skillet, stirring well to coat the beef. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together. - Add Green Onions & Serve
Stir in the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. Serve the beef over steamed rice, and top with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Total time? 20 minutes from start to finish—a perfect weeknight meal!
Storage Options
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to customize it!
- Spicy Kick: Add Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a deeper heat and umami flavor.
- Protein Swap: Try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or serve it in lettuce wraps.
- Extra Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.
No matter how you make it, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a total crowd-pleaser. Quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights when you need something satisfying fast. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!
PrintDelicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This Korean ground beef bowl is a quick and flavorful meal made with seasoned ground beef, served over rice, and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. With a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
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