Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Featuring savory and slightly sweet ground beef, served over rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Packed with flavor – A delicious mix of garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich and savory taste.
• Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
• Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Sesame oil
• Green onions
• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook the beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.
3. Combine – Pour the sauce over the cooked beef, stirring well to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Serve – Spoon the beef over cooked rice and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Use a different protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
• Add vegetables – Stir in bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of regular rice.
• Gluten-free option – Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make this dish less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cook the beef and store it separately from the rice. Reheat and assemble before serving.

What type of rice works best?

White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa are great options.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, fresh grated ginger adds even more flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level to make it milder.

What can I serve with this dish?

Try steamed vegetables, kimchi, or a simple cucumber salad.

Can I use ground pork instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground pork works well with the same seasoning.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce while simmering.

Can I use a low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works well to reduce salt content.

What can I use instead of sesame oil?

Olive oil or avocado oil can be used, though they will slightly alter the flavor.

Conclusion

The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a winner. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade take on Korean flavors!

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