🎉 Introduction
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a fast, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in minutes and delivers big on comfort. Savory ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then finished with fragrant sesame oil and served over fluffy rice with a perfectly cooked egg. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something bold without the fuss.
Loved for its balance of sweet-savory depth and cozy textures, this bowl is endlessly customizable—add veggies you have on hand or keep it classic. If you’re a fan of easy Asian-inspired meals, one-pan dinners, and meal-prep friendly bowls, this recipe will be on repeat.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Saucepan or rice cooker (for rice)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Tip: A wide skillet helps brown the beef evenly for better flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce & Flavor
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Fresh Add-Ins
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 egg (fried or soft-scrambled, optional but recommended)
- Mixed vegetables of choice (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
- Sesame oil adds that signature nutty Korean-style aroma.
- Ginger and garlic create a bold, savory base.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.
- Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Season
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Green Onions
- Stir in sliced green onions.
- Remove from heat.
Step 5: Prepare the Egg (Optional)
- Fry or soft-scramble the egg in a separate pan to your liking.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide cooked rice between bowls.
- Top with the Korean-style ground beef.
- Add egg and vegetables if using.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
A perfect last-minute dinner or meal-prep lunch.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Store beef and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheating
- Reheat beef gently in a skillet or microwave
- Add a splash of water to keep it juicy
Tip: Make fresh eggs when serving for best texture.
🥄 Variations
- Spicy Kick
- Add chili flakes or spicy sauce
- Veggie Boost
- Add bell peppers, carrots, or spinach
- Low-Carb Option
- Serve over cauliflower rice
- Extra Savory
- Add a touch more sesame oil
- Meal Prep
- Portion into containers for easy lunches
❓ 10 FAQs
- Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild unless you add heat. - Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, it works well. - Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, simple and savory. - Can I skip the egg?
Absolutely, it’s optional. - Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for meal prep. - Does sesame oil overpower the dish?
No, it adds aroma and balance. - Can I add sugar or honey?
Optional, but not required. - What rice works best?
White or jasmine rice. - Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, freeze cooked beef up to 2 months.
🏁 Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl proves that incredible flavor doesn’t need complicated ingredients or long cooking times. With savory beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a comforting bowl of rice, it’s a reliable go-to for quick dinners that satisfy every time.
Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort.
Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Quick, Savory & Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.
- Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in sliced green onions.
- Remove from heat.
- Fry or soft-scramble the egg in a separate pan to your liking.
- Divide cooked rice between bowls.
- Top with the Korean-style ground beef.
- Add egg and vegetables if using.
Notes
No, it’s mild unless you add heat. Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, it works well. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, simple and savory. Can I skip the egg?
Absolutely, it’s optional. Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, perfect for meal prep. Does sesame oil overpower the dish?
No, it adds aroma and balance. Can I add sugar or honey?
Optional, but not required. What rice works best?
White or jasmine rice. Can I freeze the beef?
Yes, freeze cooked beef up to 2 months. 🏁 Conclusion This Korean Ground Beef Bowl proves that incredible flavor doesn’t need complicated ingredients or long cooking times. With savory beef, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a comforting bowl of rice, it’s a reliable go-to for quick dinners that satisfy every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal effort.
