If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s both quick and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Korean Ground Beef Bowl. With savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and boldness. In just 25 minutes, you can have a meal on the table that feels like a treat without any of the fuss.
I’m always looking for ways to make dinner time easier, and this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s customizable, filling, and packed with flavor that’ll make you want to come back for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a fast and satisfying dinner for busy weeknights, this bowl has you covered. And trust me, the smell when it’s cooking? Absolutely mouthwatering!
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Overview of Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a complete meal in one bowl, combining seasoned ground beef with aromatic spices, and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s as versatile as it is delicious—whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s talk about what makes this recipe so great.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick & Easy: With just 25 minutes to prep and cook, it’s perfect for busy nights.
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Packed with Flavor: The soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger bring a depth of flavor that elevates the ground beef in an amazing way.
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Customizable: You can swap in your favorite veggies or even add a fried egg for extra richness.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: The leftovers are just as good (or better!) the next day, making it a great choice for batch cooking.
How It Tastes:
The Korean Ground Beef Bowl has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the soy sauce and sesame oil, balanced out by the fragrant garlic and ginger. The texture of the beef is perfectly tender, and the rice adds a nice base to soak up all the juicy flavors. And those optional toppings? They bring that extra oomph that takes this bowl over the top. Imagine crunch from sesame seeds, a bit of tang from kimchi, and the freshness of green onions and cucumber!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for a delicious bowl of goodness:
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, minced
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2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
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Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
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Optional ingredients: Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach; A fried egg on top for added richness
Necessary Tools for Preparation:
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Large skillet or frying pan
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Pot (or rice cooker/Instant Pot) for cooking the rice
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Spoon or spatula for stirring
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Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies and garlic
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions:
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Vegetables: Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra nutrients.
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Toppings: A fried egg or some pickled vegetables can be an amazing addition to give the bowl a little more texture and flavor.
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Rice: Swap in cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Making this bowl is super simple! You’ll just need a bit of patience while the rice cooks, and you’ll be set for a meal that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
You’ve got a few options here depending on the tools you have on hand:
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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 it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
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Rice Cooker: Simply add the rinsed rice and water to the cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s hands-off and foolproof!
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Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Let it naturally release for a few minutes before opening the lid.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
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Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the beef.
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Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowl
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Spoon a generous amount of rice into the bottom of your bowl.
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Top the rice with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
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If you’re adding veggies, layer them around or on top of the beef. You can also toss in some sliced bell peppers or steamed broccoli for a little extra crunch.
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Garnish with sesame seeds, more chopped green onions, or even a fried egg if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Tips for Making the Korean Ground Beef Bowl
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Rice: Make sure your rice is fluffy! After cooking, let it sit covered for a few minutes to steam. This will make the rice light and perfect for absorbing the flavorful beef.
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Spice: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the beef while it’s simmering.
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Additions: Feel free to mix in any veggies you like—mushrooms, zucchini, or even some baby spinach for extra nutrients!
What to Serve with the Korean Ground Beef Bowl
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Kimchi: For a tangy kick, pair this with some homemade or store-bought kimchi.
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Pickled Veggies: Try pickled carrots, cucumbers, or radishes for a refreshing crunch.
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Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach are easy to steam and pair perfectly with this dish.
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Fried Egg: Adding a fried egg on top is a game-changer. The runny yolk mingles perfectly with the savory beef.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm everything up in the microwave or on the stovetop. This dish also makes for a great meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey would work great in this recipe. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors, but with a lighter protein.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The ground beef mixture and rice can be made in advance. Just store the beef and rice in separate containers, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While ground beef gives the dish its signature richness, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. For a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey is a great choice and will still absorb all the delicious seasonings.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the ground beef mixture and rice in advance, and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the bowls. It’s perfect for meal prepping for the week!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free version of soy sauce). Just make sure to check the labels on any other condiments or toppings you use to ensure they’re gluten-free.
What vegetables can I add to the Korean Ground Beef Bowl?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can add any vegetables you like—bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, spinach, or even zucchini. You can either stir them into the beef mixture or serve them on top of the bowl. Just steam or sauté them to your desired texture.
Conclusion
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the epitome of a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal. With just 25 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try and let me know how you customize your bowl—I’d love to hear about it!
Related Recipes You Might Enjoy:
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry – A fresh and flavorful way to enjoy ground beef with Mediterranean spices.
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Sticky Beef Noodles – A sweet and savory stir-fry noodle dish that’s both easy and delicious.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – An indulgent, creamy chicken pasta that will have everyone asking for more.
I hope you enjoy this Korean Ground Beef Bowl as much as I do! If you try it, don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below. You can follow me on Pinterest for more tasty ideas: Pinterest – Recipes by Sylvia.
Print
Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the perfect quick and satisfying dish, with savory ground beef seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this meal can be on the table in just 25 minutes. Plus, with endless customization options like fried eggs, kimchi, and fresh veggies, it’s a dish that you can tweak to fit your tastes. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, minced
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2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice)
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Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables
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Optional ingredients: Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach; a fried egg for added richness
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice:
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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 it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
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Rice Cooker: Simply add rinsed rice and water to your cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Instant Pot: Combine rinsed rice and water in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then allow a natural release for 5 minutes.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks and brown until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
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Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
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Assemble the Bowl:
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Spoon a generous amount of rice into the bottom of your bowl.
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Top with the seasoned ground beef mixture.
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If using, layer with steamed vegetables, fresh cucumber, or pickled vegetables.
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Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a fried egg for extra richness.
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Notes
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Customization: This dish is highly versatile. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
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Vegetable Options: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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Serving Tips: Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch!
- Equipment:
Large skillet or frying pan
Pot or rice cooker for cooking rice
Spoon or spatula for stirring
Knife and cutting board for chopping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Rice Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ground beef, Korean bowl, quick dinner, meal prep, 25-minute meal, easy dinner, savory, rice bowl