Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Brown ground beef with garlic, make quick sauce with soy sauce and brown sugar, simmer together and serve over rice. Ready in 20 minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:37:28 GMT
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Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls | recipesbyclare.com

Your favorite take-out flavors come together in a 15-minute dinner that's saved me on countless busy weeknights. After a long day of running kids to practice, this Korean ground beef bowl is my secret weapon - cheaper than delivery and ready faster than I can find the menu!

Last week, my pickiest eater had thirds - that's when you know you've struck dinner gold! Even better, my teenager has started making this himself on nights when I'm running late.

Simple Ingredient Magic

  • Ground beef: becomes incredibly flavorful - I use 85/15 for the perfect balance
  • Brown sugar: adds that subtle sweetness that makes Korean dishes irresistible
  • Fresh ginger: brings a zingy punch - though I keep paste in my fridge for busy days
  • Toasted sesame oil: is non-negotiable - it's what gives that authentic taste
  • Soy sauce: brings the perfect amount of salt and umami

After forgetting the sesame oil once, I learned it's absolutely essential - that's where the magic happens!

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Creating Rice Bowl Bliss

Brown The Beef:
Break up the meat well as it cooks - those little crispy bits are flavor gold.
Build The Sauce:
Whisk those sauce ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely.
Marry The Flavors:
Let everything simmer together briefly - this is when the magic happens.
Rice Is Nice:
Spoon over hot rice while the sauce is still bubbling.
Fresh Finish:
Top with green onions and sesame seeds for the perfect finish.
Time To Eat:
Don't forget to garnish with those green onions and sesame seeds - it's like putting the perfect frame on a picture!

That time I got distracted and let the sauce reduce too much? My kids still talk about 'candy beef' - though they actually loved it!

Weeknight Warrior

This dish saved my sanity during soccer season last fall. Between practices and homework, I could still get a home-cooked meal on the table that everyone actually ate. Now it's part of our regular rotation, and honestly, I don't even need to look at the recipe anymore.

Quick Fix Magic

Some nights I throw in whatever veggies are hanging out in the fridge - broccoli, snap peas, even spinach works great. My husband loves it with a fried egg on top, and sometimes I make extra sauce because my kids love drizzling it over everything.

Bowl Building Fun

Set up a little bowl bar with different toppings - shredded carrots, cucumber, kimchi if you're feeling adventurous. My kids love building their own bowls, and I love that they're actually eating vegetables willingly!

Keep It Fresh

The beef mixture reheats beautifully for lunch the next day - if there are any leftovers! I usually make a double batch just so I can have lunch sorted for the week.

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Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Chef's Real Talk

  • Toast those sesame seeds in a dry pan first - the flavor difference is amazing
  • Keep fresh ginger in the freezer - it grates easily and lasts forever
  • Don't skip the sesame oil - it's what makes this taste like your favorite takeout

After countless rushed weeknights, this recipe has become our family's comfort food. It's not just dinner anymore - it's the meal that brings us all to the table, even on the busiest days. And those moments? They're pretty priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just be sure not to overcook it as it can dry out quickly.
→ Is this dish very spicy?
No, it's mildly spiced. Adjust the red pepper flakes up or down to control the heat level.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the beef mixture reheats well. Store separately from rice and reheat when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with this?
Try adding steamed vegetables, kimchi, or a fried egg on top for a complete meal.
→ Can I freeze the beef mixture?
Yes, the beef mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Sweet and savory Korean-style ground beef served over steaming rice - a quick and satisfying dinner ready in 20 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Korean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Beef Mixture

01 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
02 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce

03 ¼ cup packed brown sugar
04 ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
05 2 teaspoons sesame oil
06 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
07 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

09 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
10 Sliced green onions for garnish
11 Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and minced garlic, breaking the meat into crumbles until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 03

Pour sauce over the cooked beef and let simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 04

Spoon the beef mixture over hot rice and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  1. Can be made with either white or brown rice
  2. Using lean ground beef reduces excess grease
  3. Ready in just 20 minutes for a quick weeknight meal

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Rice cooker or pot for rice

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 238
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 25 g