If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor, Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls should be at the top of your meal plan. This easy 20‑minute recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and it’s a crowd‑pleaser for adults and kids alike. With a savory-sweet sauce over warm rice and tasty garnishes, this dish brings bold Korean-inspired flavor to your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
This recipe is the perfect combination of fast to make and delicious to eat. Ground beef cooks in minutes, and the sauce made with brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger brings classic Korean-style flavor without fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you need a meal prep idea, these bowls deliver satisfying results.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
To keep things simple but flavorful, gather the following:
- Lean ground beef (about 1 pound)
- Minced garlic and ground ginger
- Brown sugar and reduced-sodium soy sauce
- Sesame oil and red pepper flakes
- Hot cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and garlic, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef. Stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so it thickens and coats the meat.
- Serve It Up: Spoon the beef over hot rice. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top.
Dinner = done.
Tips for Best Results
- Cook ground beef to at least 160°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Want something lighter? Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.
- Craving more veggies? Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or sautéed bell peppers.
- Makes great leftovers! Store in airtight containers for meal prep or next-day lunch.
What Kind of Rice Should You Use?
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can use:
- White rice – light and fluffy
- Brown rice – hearty and nutty
- Jasmine rice – naturally aromatic
No wrong answers here. Pick your favorite or use whatever’s in the pantry.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is totally customizable. Want to add a fried egg on top? Go for it. Craving spice? Add a squirt of sriracha or a spoonful of gochujang. Want to stretch it further? Toss in frozen peas or corn near the end of cooking. No rules, just good food.
Other Dinner Ideas to Try
Love this bowl? You’ll want to check out these tasty, hearty meals next:
- Craving a fresh twist? Try our healthy corn chicken rice bowl dinner
- Want a flavor vacation? This coconut chicken rice bowl for variety
- In the mood for comfort food? Try our bacon cheeseburger rice skillet comfort meal
- For a Mediterranean twist, our Greek chicken and rice skillet for dinner inspiration
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner made with savory-sweet ground beef served over warm rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds. Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal is comfort food with bold Korean-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Hot cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and garlic, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Spoon beef mixture over hot cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Add veggies like steamed broccoli or shredded carrots for extra nutrients. Top with a fried egg or a drizzle of sriracha for more flavor. Great for leftovers or meal prep!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Final Thoughts
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are the kind of recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. They’re fast, filling, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, doing meal prep for the week, or just need something that tastes amazing without much effort, this one’s a guaranteed hit.