Some dinners are just about satisfying a sudden craving without fuss. That night, I remember coming home after a long day, the kind where your feet ache and your mind races through tomorrow’s to-dos. I wanted something warm, something with bold flavors but without a long wait. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl was exactly that—a bowl filled with savory, slightly sweet goodness that hugged my senses from the first bite.

The sizzling sound of beef hitting the pan filled the kitchen, mingling with the sharp aroma of garlic and ginger. As the sauce thickened, that irresistible combination of soy, brown sugar, and sesame oil made the whole space feel cozy and inviting. When I finally sat down, the steaming bowl, topped with fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds, was a delight not just to the taste buds but to the soul. It was the kind of meal that made me pause, breathe, and savor the moment.

Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bold, balanced flavors that hit sweet, savory, and a touch of heat.
Comforting and satisfying served over fluffy steamed rice.
Simple ingredients that come together with minimal effort.
Garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for texture and brightness.

If you’re worried about leftovers, this bowl keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats beautifully—making it even easier to enjoy later.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring savory marinated beef served over steamed rice with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups cooked white rice
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until sugar is dissolved.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
Spoon the Korean ground beef mixture over the rice in each bowl.
Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately.

FAQ

Can I use another type of meat? Ground turkey or chicken can be used, though the flavor profile will be a bit milder.

Is there a vegetarian option? Try substituting the beef for crumbled tofu or seasoned mushrooms for a plant-based twist.

How spicy is this dish? The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust to your taste or omit entirely.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely, the sauce can be mixed in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.

Ready to bring this savory Korean Ground Beef Bowl to your table? Save this recipe, print it out, and dive in. You’ll love how simple comfort food can be.