Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s better than takeout? This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavors. Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect easy dinner or meal prep recipe for busy days.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Easy – On the table in 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Flavor-Packed – Sweet, salty, garlicky, and a little spicy.
Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef.
Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes just as good reheated the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:
2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup cucumber slices
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Optional Add-Ins:
Fried egg
Sautéed spinach
Kimchi
Sriracha drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Rice cooker or pot

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Prepare the rice according to package instructions so it’s ready when the beef is done.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the beef cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef.
Stir well to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop rice into bowls.
Top with a generous portion of Korean ground beef.
Add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and green onions.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add any optional toppings you like.

Step 6: Serve
Serve hot and enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal!

Tips for Perfect Korean Beef Bowls
Use Lean Ground Beef – Helps avoid too much grease in the skillet.
Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil – It adds authentic nutty flavor.
Adjust Sweetness and Heat – Add more or less brown sugar and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Customize Your Bowl – Add a fried egg on top or drizzle with sriracha for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Lettuce Wraps – Spoon the beef into lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative to white rice.
Pickled Veggies – Serve with pickled carrots or radish for a tangy contrast.
Steamed Broccoli – A quick and healthy side option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store beef and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are delicious lighter options.
2. Is this dish spicy?
   It’s mild with a little heat from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
4. What can I substitute for sesame oil?
   You can use olive oil in a pinch, but sesame oil adds the best flavor for this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is your ticket to a fast, flavorful dinner that’s packed with delicious sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick and easy meal, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your colorful, flavorful bowls on Pinterest and Instagram. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 400 | Protein: 23g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 600mg

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