Table of Contents: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
🔥 The Ultimate Quick & Flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl – A Weeknight Lifesaver!
Imagine this: tender, juicy ground beef sizzling in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Korean-inspired sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp veggies on top. Sounds like takeout, right? Wrong! This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is so easy, you can whip it up in just 20 minutes—faster than delivery!
This dish is a flavor explosion—perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of sesame. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and packed with bold Korean flavors that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef. Plus, it’s infinitely customizable—add more spice, swap in turkey or tofu, or pile on your favorite crunchy toppings.
If you loved our Hibachi Chicken Recipe, you’ll adore this Korean-inspired twist. Ready to ditch boring dinners? Let’s dive in!
What is a Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
Ever wondered why this dish is called a Korean Ground Beef Bowl? Is it because it’s served in a bowl? (Well, yes.) But more importantly, it’s a quick, no-fuss version of Bulgogi, the famous Korean marinated beef dish. Instead of thinly sliced ribeye, we use ground beef—faster to cook, just as delicious, and way easier on the wallet!
Some call it “Korean BBQ Beef Rice Bowl”, others “Ground Beef Bulgogi”, but no matter the name, one thing’s for sure: this dish is addictive. As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” (And trust me, this bowl wins hearts every time!)
So, why wait? Grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
1. Bold, Irresistible Flavor in Every Bite
This dish is sweet, savory, garlicky, and slightly spicy—everything you crave in Korean cuisine. The sauce clings to every bit of beef, making each forkful packed with umami goodness.
2. Budget-Friendly & Quick (20 Minutes!)
Skip the takeout bill! This recipe uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Plus, it’s ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable & Family-Friendly
Not a fan of spice? Reduce the gochujang. Want extra crunch? Add shredded carrots or cucumbers. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
For more? Try our Hot Honey Chicken Tenders next!
Ready to make magic? Let’s go!
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Quick Overview
✅ 20-minute meal
✅ Sweet, savory, slightly spicy Korean flavors
✅ Perfect over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with noodles
Key Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
– ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) (adjust to taste)
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Cooked rice (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang.
3. Simmer & Glaze
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir well. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
4. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice with your favorite toppings!
What to Serve with Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This dish is versatile! Keep it simple with steamed rice, or jazz it up with:
– Kimchi (for tangy crunch)
– Quick-pickled cucumbers (refreshing contrast)
– Steamed broccoli or stir-fried veggies
– A fried egg on top (because everything’s better with a runny yolk!)
Craving more sides? Try our 4 Ingredient Pasta Salad for a refreshing pairing!
Top Tips for Perfecting Korean Ground Beef Bowl
✔ Use high-fat beef (80/20) for extra juiciness.
✔ Don’t skip the sesame oil—it adds authentic Korean flavor.
✔ Adjust spice levels—add more gochujang for heat or omit for a milder taste.
✔ Double the sauce if you love extra flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
✅ Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✅ Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
✅ Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until hot.
People Also Ask: Korean Ground Beef Bowl

What is in Korean ground beef sauce?
The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—perfect for coating the beef.
Is Korean ground beef spicy?
It has mild heat from gochujang, but you can reduce or omit it for a non-spicy version.
What do you serve with a Korean beef bowl?
Steamed rice, kimchi, pickled veggies, or a fried egg are great pairings!
How do you get the crispy bits in Korean ground beef?
Cook the beef on medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan. Let it brown before stirring for crispy edges.
Final Thoughts: Make This Tonight!
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is fast, flavorful, and foolproof—the ultimate weeknight hero. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just craving bold Korean flavors, this dish delivers every time.
Pro Tip: Double the batch for meal prep—it reheats beautifully!
Now, who’s ready to dig in? 🍚🔥
Loved this recipe? Try our Easy Tteokbokki Recipe: Korean Rice Cakes next!
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Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bowl with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors served over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors combine.
- Serve beef over warm white rice.
- Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Adjust spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes. Works great with brown rice or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: korean ground beef bowl, easy korean beef, ground beef recipe, quick dinner