Welcome to the ultimate guide on making the perfect Korean Ground Beef Bowl! This flavorful and satisfying dish is a favorite among many, and for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you whipping up a delicious batch of Korean Ground Beef Bowl in no time.
(Note: the recipe card directly below.PDF )
Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl
There are so many reasons to love this Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and a sweet and savory sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
But that’s not all. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap out the protein, or make it gluten-free, the options are endless.
And let’s not forget about the convenience. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl:
- ground beef
- garlic, minced
- fresh ginger, grated
- soy sauce
- sesame oil
- (Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
One of the best things about this Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Veggie-Packed Bowl: Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
- Different Proteins: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Bowl: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Making Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and garlic over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top each bowl with the beef mixture and your choice of optional toppings.
- Serve: Enjoy your Korean Ground Beef Bowl hot and fresh!

Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your Korean Ground Beef Bowl even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the red pepper flakes as needed for your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, add your favorite veggies to the bowl.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
How to Serve
Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Toppings: Serve with additional toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber slices, or kimchi.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crispy spring rolls.
- Beverages: Enjoy with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing sparkling water.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:
- Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
- Reheat: Reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Freeze: Freeze the cooked beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s a good side dish for this bowl?
This bowl pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or crispy spring rolls.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or even tofu instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
How do I make this bowl gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to making delicious Korean Ground Beef Bowl. This flavorful and satisfying dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty way to use up leftover ground beef, this recipe has you covered. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: recipe
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that features savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, served over fluffy rice. With endless possibilities for customization and sides, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber slices, kimchi
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and garlic over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top each bowl with the beef mixture and your choice of optional toppings.
- Serve: Enjoy your Korean Ground Beef Bowl hot and fresh!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the red pepper flakes as needed for your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, add your favorite veggies to the bowl.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 4
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 807 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
Keywords: Korean Ground Beef Bowl