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Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Quick, Flavorful & Family-Friendly

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold in flavor but simple to make, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your answer. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender ground beef coated in a savory-sweet sauce of soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil — served over rice and topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish is inspired by the flavors of classic Korean BBQ (bulgogi) but streamlined into an easy skillet dinner. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without much effort. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable — add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to your taste.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍖 Meat:
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef
🥦 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 ½ tbsp ginger freshly grated
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes
🥫 Condiments:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
🥄 Oils & Vinegars:
  • 2 tsp sesame oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

Step 1 – Cook the Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2 – Add Aromatics
  1. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3 – Make the Sauce
  1. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red chili flakes.
  2. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the beef.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve
  1. Remove from heat, stir in green onions and cilantro.
  2. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  3. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm on stovetop or in microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if too thick.
🥄 Variations
Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
Spicy Version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for more heat.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this dish less sweet?
Yes, reduce brown sugar to 2 tbsp.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or short-grain white rice for authenticity, but any rice works.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, it’s a lighter option.
What veggies go best with this?
Broccoli, spinach, bok choy, or carrots.
Can I meal prep Korean beef bowls?
Absolutely — divide into containers with rice and veggies.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly spicy. Add more chili flakes or gochujang if you like heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales easily.
What toppings can I add?
Kimchi, fried eggs, pickled veggies, or extra sesame seeds.
Do I need fresh ginger?
Fresh is best, but ½ tsp ground ginger works if needed.
🏁 Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the perfect mix of quick, comforting, and flavorful. It’s inspired by the taste of bulgogi but simplified for everyday cooking — making it a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just crave bold, savory-sweet flavors.