This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender ground beef seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatic spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Topped with your favorite garnishes like sesame seeds, kimchi, or a fried egg, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option that delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Customize with your choice of vegetables, toppings, or rice.
Deliciously Flavorful: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger create an irresistible umami taste.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)

Optional Toppings

Sesame seeds
Sliced cucumber
Kimchi
Pickled vegetables

Optional Additions

Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach
Egg: A fried egg on top for added richness

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Stove Method

Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Rice Cooker

Add rinsed rice and water to your rice cooker.
Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Instant Pot

Combine rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot.
Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Allow a natural release before opening.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season It Up: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Start with Rice: Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice into the bottom of a bowl.
Layer the Beef: Add the seasoned ground beef mixture on top.
Add Veggies: Include steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach if desired.
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Use ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a different spin.
Grain Swap: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Spicy Version: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, pre-cooked rice works perfectly and saves time.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

3. Can I make this spicier?

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or gochujang for more heat.

4. What vegetables work best in this dish?

Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini are great options.

5. How do I make this dish healthier?

Use leaner ground beef or ground turkey, and opt for brown rice or quinoa.

6. Can I cook the vegetables with the beef?

Yes, sauté the vegetables after browning the beef for a one-pan meal.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the ingredients accordingly and use a larger skillet.

8. What side dishes pair well with this?

Serve with miso soup, a side salad, or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.

9. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, portion the rice, beef, and toppings into meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go meal.

10. Can I use frozen ground beef?

Thaw frozen beef before cooking for even browning and seasoning.

Conclusion

The Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful, quick, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With savory, aromatic beef and a variety of toppings, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with extras, this recipe is sure to satisfy!