Korean Ground Beef Bowl: Easiest Recipe EVER!

Posted on February 7, 2026

Korean ground beef bowl, oh how I love you. This dish is quick, easy, and always a crowd pleaser. Think of it as deconstructed Korean BBQ, ready in under 30 minutes! The savory ground beef paired with fluffy rice and your favorite toppings is comfort food at its finest. I remember the first time I made this, I was craving something flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The korean ground beef bowl was the answer!

Why You Will Love This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

This korean ground beef bowl recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, and the flavor is out of this world. The sweet and savory sauce caramelizes beautifully around the ground beef, creating a delicious glaze that’s impossible to resist.

Plus, it’s completely customizable! You can add your favorite veggies, toppings, and sauces to create a bowl that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping.

You can cook the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the beef and assemble your bowls. It’s way faster than ordering takeout, and it nourishes your body with real ingredients. If you’re looking for another quick and tasty meal, be sure to check out my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

korean ground beef bowl - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  • For the Ground Beef:
* 1 pound ground beef * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon ginger, grated * 1/4 cup soy sauce * 2 tablespoons brown sugar * 1 tablespoon sesame oil * 1 tablespoon rice vinegar * 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • For Serving:
* Cooked rice * Green onions, sliced * Sesame seeds * Sriracha (optional) * Kimchi (optional) * Any other desired toppings
korean ground beef bowl - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  1. 1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. 2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. 4. Pour the sauce over the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized around the beef. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce becomes glossy and clings to the beef.
  5. 5. Serve the korean ground beef bowl over cooked rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha, and any other desired toppings.

How to Serve This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

This korean ground beef bowl is best served warm over a bed of fluffy rice. I like to use jasmine rice, but any type of rice will work. For a low carb option, try cauliflower rice!

Top your bowl with fresh green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a kick of heat. Other delicious toppings include kimchi, sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and a fried egg. If you’re in the mood for another bowl recipe, why not try my Burger Bowl Recipe?

How to Store This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  • Refrigeration: Store the cooked ground beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store cooked rice separately.
  • Freezing: Allow the ground beef to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezer is the best way to have this korean ground beef bowl later.
  • Reheating: Reheat the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  • Ingredient Swaps: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Coconut aminos can be used as a soy sauce substitute for a gluten free option.
  • Success Tips: Don’t overcook the ground beef, or it will become dry. Be sure to whisk the sauce ingredients together before adding them to the skillet to ensure that the brown sugar dissolves properly.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overcrowding the skillet when browning the ground beef can cause it to steam instead of brown. Work in batches if necessary. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make the dish taste bitter.
  • Pro Tips for Best Results: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant for an elevated flavor.

Helpful Notes for This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  • Ground Beef: I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe because it has more flavor. However, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer.
  • Soy Sauce: I recommend using low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way, so don’t overdo it! It adds a nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Variation of This korean ground beef bowl Recipe

  • Spicy korean ground beef bowl: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Vegetarian korean ground beef bowl: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
  • Korean Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps: Serve the korean ground beef in lettuce cups instead of over rice for a lighter meal.

What is a Korean ground beef bowl?

A Korean ground beef bowl is a dish featuring seasoned ground beef served over rice with various toppings. It’s inspired by Korean BBQ flavors and is quick and easy to prepare.

How long does it take to make a Korean ground beef bowl?

Typically, a Korean ground beef bowl can be made in under 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

What are some popular toppings for Korean ground beef bowls?

Common toppings include sesame seeds, green onions, sriracha mayo, kimchi, and a fried egg. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables and sauces!

Conclusion

This korean ground beef bowl recipe is a guaranteed winner for any night of the week. It’s quick, easy to customize, and bursting with flavor. So go ahead, get cooking and enjoy this amazing korean ground beef bowl! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out.

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