Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

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When life gets busy and takeout feels tempting, this quick & easy Korean ground beef bowl is your answer to a fast and flavorful meal. Packed with bold umami, sweetness, and a hint of heat, this dish comes together in about 20 minutes—no chopping or marinating required.

Think of it as the ultimate weeknight hero. You can serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce, or spoon it into tacos. It hits all the comfort notes while staying light, balanced, and customizable. Once you try it, it’ll likely become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

It’s fast, budget-friendly, and tastes like something from your favorite Korean BBQ spot. You don’t need fancy ingredients, just pantry staples and a good skillet. Plus, it’s flexible: perfect for meal prep, easy to double, and works with ground turkey or chicken too.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

A lean ground beef (around 90/10) works best for this dish. It’s hearty without being greasy and soaks up the sweet and savory sauce beautifully. If you go with something fattier, just be sure to drain the excess before adding the sauce.

Ingredients for the Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

To keep things simple yet flavorful, this recipe sticks to ingredients that pack a punch without needing much prep. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture.

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

How To Make the Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks and let it brown evenly. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Base

Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the browned beef. Stir for a minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the beef over bowls of steamed rice. Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This recipe makes enough for 4 people and is a dream for leftovers. Store any remaining beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of water. You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months, making it a handy backup meal.

What to Serve With Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl?

Steamed Broccoli

Crisp-tender and lightly salted, it complements the savory beef beautifully.

Kimchi

Adds a spicy, tangy kick that balances the sweet sauce.

Cucumber Salad

Light, crunchy, and refreshing with a bit of vinegar and sesame oil.

Fried or Soft-Boiled Egg

A runny yolk makes everything richer and more indulgent.

Pickled Radishes

Their sharpness cuts through the richness of the beef.

Gochujang Mayo Drizzle

A creamy, spicy topping that elevates each bite.

Seaweed Snacks

Add a touch of crunch and umami for texture variety.

Quick Miso Soup

Pairs well for a more complete, warming meal.

Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you love this quick & easy Korean ground beef bowl, check out these tasty creations too:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
• Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake
• Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
• Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Serve it over noodles instead of rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

This Korean ground beef bowl is everything we love about quick weeknight meals: flavorful, comforting, and ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on autopilot after a long day and still feel like you treated yourself. Whether it’s your first time trying Korean-inspired flavors or you’re a longtime fan, this one will not disappoint.

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