Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef; 2 cups (370 g) cooked white rice; 1 cup (150 g) mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas); 2 Tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce; 1 Tbsp (12 g) brown sugar; 1 Tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil; ½ tsp (1 g) red pepper flakes; 1 tsp (5 ml) sriracha (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

When life gets busy (which, let’s be honest, is always), having an easy dinner recipe like this Korean Ground Beef Bowl in your back pocket can be a total game changer. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just too tired to spend more than 30 minutes in the kitchen, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Korean Ground Beef Bowl

This rice bowl hits that magical combo of savory, sweet, spicy, and satisfying. It’s packed with protein from the Korean beef, bright veggies for crunch and color, and a flavor-packed sauce that brings it all together. Plus, it’s super customizable—add a fried egg on top, toss in extra veggies, or dial up the heat if you’re feeling bold.

Ingredients You’ll Need

500g (1 lb) ground beef
2 cups (370g) cooked white rice
1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (1g) red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (5ml) sriracha (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

How to Make This Easy Dinner Recipe

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook for about 7–10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
Add Flavor: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until everything smells heavenly.
Sauce It Up: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and sriracha if you like a kick. Mix well so the Korean beef gets evenly coated.
Simmer Low and Slow: Reduce heat to low and let it all simmer for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and soak into the meat—yum!
Steam the Veggies: While the beef simmers, steam your veggies until just tender (about 5 minutes). You want them vibrant and slightly crisp, not mushy.
Assemble the Bowls: Scoop warm rice into bowls, top with the beef mixture, and add the veggies to the side. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips to Take Your Rice Bowl to the Next Level

Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep that crunch! Steamed, not soggy, is the way to go.
Spice Level: Not a fan of heat? Skip the sriracha and red pepper flakes. Love it spicy? Double up!
Make It a Meal Prep Star: This reheats beautifully. Store beef and rice separately and combine before heating.
Use Leftover Rice: Cold day-old rice works perfectly and saves time.
Swap the Meat: Not into beef? Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute.

The Backstory: From “What’s for Dinner?” to “Let’s Make That Again!”

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl became a weeknight MVP in our house during one of those wild weeks when everything felt chaotic. I needed something fast, flavorful, and family-friendly—and this rice bowl delivered. My picky eater asked for seconds (a rare miracle), and I’ve been doubling the recipe ever since. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you tried really hard, even when you totally didn’t.

What to Serve With Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl

A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
Kimchi or pickled veggies for that tangy bite
A sunny-side-up egg on top (seriously, do this)
Miso soup for a cozy side
Extra steamed rice if you’re feeding a crowd

How to Store and Reheat

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

Storage: Let the beef cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the cooked beef (without veggies) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave rice and beef separately for best texture. Add a splash of water to the beef if it looks dry.

FAQs About This Korean Beef Recipe

Can I make this without rice?

Sure! Try it over noodles, in lettuce wraps, or even on a salad.

What veggies work best?

Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, zucchini, broccoli—whatever’s in your fridge. Just keep them colorful and crisp.

Is this spicy?

Mildly, thanks to red pepper flakes and optional sriracha. Feel free to adjust to taste.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Absolutely. It’s a great way to control saltiness without losing flavor.

Wrap-Up: Your Weeknight Hero

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl isn’t just an easy dinner recipe—it’s a dinnertime lifesaver. Bold, balanced, and belly-filling, it comes together with pantry staples and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you’re new to Korean beef or it’s already a regular in your meal rotation, this rice bowl is bound to become a staple you’ll crave on repeat. Go ahead, make extra—you’ll be glad you did!

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