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Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Category: Restaurant-Quality Entrées at Home

Enjoy classic Korean-inspired comfort with ground beef simmered in ginger, garlic, and a sweet-savory soy sauce. Spoon it over fluffy white rice and finish with crisp green onions and toasted sesame for vibrant texture. This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The rich umami and subtle spice satisfy while the simple method keeps it low-effort. All you need is a skillet, a few pantry staples, and a craving for bold flavors. Let it rest briefly before serving for the best results, and customize heat and toppings to your taste.

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Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:58:59 GMT
A plate of food with rice, broccoli, and beef. Pin
A plate of food with rice, broccoli, and beef. | howtogourmet.com

This Korean ground beef and rice bowl is my answer to the whirlwind of a busy weeknight when everyone is hungry and I am short on time. In under half an hour you can serve hot bowls filled with tender, sweet and savory beef spooned over fluffy white rice. It is everything comforting and satisfying about Korean flavors but with a shortcut using ground beef and totally fuss-free prep.

I tried this out of desperation on a chaotic Tuesday after a late soccer practice and now my family asks for it on repeat. It is our dinnertime hero whenever real life gets hectic.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose lean for a less greasy bowl and look for bright color without gray spots
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh and finely minced brings the best punchy flavor
  • Ginger: Freshly grated brightens up the beef and makes the dish taste fresh
  • Brown sugar: Brings that signature Korean sweetness and lovely caramel vibes
  • Soy sauce: Use regular or tamari for gluten free rich umami base for your sauce
  • Sesame oil: Toasted is ideal for its nutty fragrance and deep flavor
  • Red pepper flakes: Add heat and color feel free to adjust for your spice preference
  • Green onions: Use both white and green parts for different pops of flavor and color
  • White rice: Jasmine or short grain works best choose one with plump grains for a fluffy bowl
  • Sesame seeds: For garnish and gentle crunch look for unbroken seeds for best texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Rice and Aromatics:
Get your rice going in a cooker or on the stovetop and while it cooks mince your garlic grate your ginger and slice your green onions
Brown the Beef:
Heat your skillet until hot then crumble in the ground beef Let it cook over medium high heat stirring occasionally until fully browned and no pink remains Drain off excess fat if needed
Add Aromatics and Sauce:
Lower the heat slightly and add garlic ginger soy sauce brown sugar sesame oil and red pepper flakes to the beef Stir well and let the beef simmer for three to four minutes so the flavors meld and most of the liquid thickens into a glossy sauce
Assemble the Bowls:
Scoop hot rice into individual bowls and pile the saucy beef mixture on top Scatter green onions and sesame seeds over everything for brightness and crunch
Rest and Serve:
Let the assembled bowls sit for about five minutes before enjoying This resting time lets the flavors soak into the rice and really come together
A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | howtogourmet.com

You Must Know

  • Makes a great meal prep option stays flavorful in the fridge
  • Freezes well for longer storage
  • Packed with protein and has plenty of customizable toppings
  • The toasted sesame oil is my personal favorite ingredient It perfumes the whole bowl and reminds me of my first visit to a Korean restaurant Cozy kitchen nights trying to copy those flavors at home is something I will always cherish with my kids

The toasted sesame oil is my personal favorite ingredient It perfumes the whole bowl and reminds me of my first visit to a Korean restaurant Cozy kitchen nights trying to copy those flavors at home is something I will always cherish with my kids

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool before storing Seal tightly in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe bags and reheat straight from frozen in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground beef try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter bowl and you can swap jasmine rice for brown rice for extra fiber For a vegetarian twist crumbled tofu works a treat just pan fry until golden

Serving Suggestions

Keep it classic or bulk up your bowls with steamed broccoli shredded carrots or a fried egg for extra protein Top with a spoonful of kimchi if you like a tangy kick

A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural Notes

This dish puts a speedy spin on bulgogi one of Korea’s most beloved meat dishes Traditionally bulgogi uses thinly sliced marinated beef but mellow ground beef and pantry sauce let you capture those flavors even on busy nights

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer than white rice.

→ What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work well for a lighter or vegetarian option.

→ How do I increase the spice level?

Add more red pepper flakes, a drizzle of gochujang, or sliced fresh chili peppers for extra heat.

→ Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the meat and rice in advance, then assemble and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.

→ Are there gluten-free alternatives for soy sauce?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free and still enjoy rich flavor.

Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowl

Ground beef with Korean flavors atop rice, finished with green onions and sesame, ready fast for busy evenings.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Korean-Inspired

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 450 g lean ground beef
02 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
03 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
04 60 ml brown sugar, packed
05 60 ml soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
06 10 ml toasted sesame oil
07 0.5 g red pepper flakes, to taste
08 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
09 600 g cooked white rice (jasmine or short grain preferred)
10 Sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Cook rice according to package instructions. Mince garlic and grate ginger. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.

Step 03

Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the browned beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 04

Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the savory beef mixture. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Reserve some green onion tops for garnish.

Step 05

Allow bowls to rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor integration.

Additional Notes

  1. Allowing a short resting period after assembly deepens flavor absorption into the rice.

Required Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Microplane grater
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce/tamari) and sesame (sesame oil, sesame seeds).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 24 g