Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
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); Sesame seeds; Sliced cucumber; Kimchi; Pickled vegetables; Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach; Egg (fried egg on top for added richness)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a flavorful, fuss-free meal that comes together in no time, you are in for a treat with the Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes). This dish combines savory, slightly sweet ground beef infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame, served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies and optional vibrant toppings. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but can actually be ready before you know it. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family feast, this bowl checks all the boxes for delicious, comforting, and speedy.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is key to the magic of this dish. Each element contributes to the bold flavors, satisfying textures, and inviting colors that make the Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) an absolute crowd-pleaser.

1 pound ground beef (80/20): The right fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari): Adds that essential salty, umami depth that defines the dish’s savory profile.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides nutty aroma and richness—it’s a real game changer.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic delivers a punch of flavor that brightens every bite.
1 teaspoon ginger (minced): Adds zing and warmth, balancing the garlic perfectly.
2 green onions (chopped + extra for garnish): These add a mild sharpness and fresh color contrast.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors without overpowering.
2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown): The fluffy base that soaks up every delicious bit of sauce.
Optional toppings (sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables): Customize with crunchy, tangy, or spicy additions for extra excitement.
Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach): Add nutrition, color, and texture for a well-rounded bowl.
Egg (fried on top): A runny yolk brings luscious richness and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear; this removes excess starch for perfectly fluffy results. You can cook the rice traditionally on the stove by simmering it with water until tender, use a rice cooker for convenience, or utilize an Instant Pot to speed things up. Letting the rice rest after cooking helps it fluff up nicely, creating the perfect base for your bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook it until browned and no longer pink. This step builds the savory foundation for the bowl, so developing a good crust on the meat adds great flavor and texture.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Ginger

Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring and cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step layers in aromatic notes that transform simple beef into a rich Korean-inspired dish.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This keeps the beef juicy while giving you that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Your Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice into your bowl, then layer the savory ground beef mixture on top. Add any steamed or fresh vegetables next to or on top of the beef, enhancing flavor, texture, and color. Finally, garnish with sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions, and your choice of toppings like kimchi or a fried egg for an extra-special finish.

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions not only makes your bowl look restaurant-quality but also introduces delightful nutty and fresh notes. Pickled veggies or kimchi add a tangy contrast that brightens the dish, while a perfectly fried egg on top brings indulgence and richness with its creamy yolk.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn this into a full meal, consider serving simple sides such as steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or miso soup. These light, complementary dishes round out the meal without competing with the bold flavors of your Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes).

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl by offering lettuce wraps with the beef, allowing everyone to build handheld bites. You can also serve it over noodles or quinoa for a fun twist, or add assorted pickled vegetables on the side for added texture and tang that elevates the whole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) components in airtight containers in the refrigerator to enjoy for up to 3 days. Store the beef separately from the rice and vegetables if possible to maintain the best texture and freshness when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep meals in advance. Pack the cooked ground beef mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to keep rice separate or prepare fresh rice after thawing to preserve fluffy texture.

Reheating

Reheat the ground beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the rice has become dry, sprinkle a bit of water and cover it loosely before reheating to steam it back to softness. Add fresh garnishes after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully as alternatives and will give you a slightly different but equally delicious bowl.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) is perfect for gluten-free diets.

How spicy is this dish?

On its own, the recipe is mildly savory with subtle sweetness. You can easily add spice by including red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a spicy kimchi topping when serving.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the beef and rice ahead and assemble the bowls just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

What rice works best in this bowl?

Jasmine rice offers fragrant softness, basmati brings a nuttier flavor, and brown rice adds fiber and chewiness. Each gives a slightly different vibe, so choose based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners because it blends amazing flavor and effortless preparation so beautifully. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how versatile, flavorful, and downright comforting a simple bowl of well-seasoned beef and rice can be. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A quick and flavorful Korean Ground Beef Bowl featuring savory seasoned beef served over fluffy rice with optional fresh vegetables and toppings. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal combining rich umami flavors with simple ingredients.

Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Depending on your method, combine rice with 2 cups of water and cook using one of the following methods: stove-top simmer for 15 minutes, rice cooker as per manufacturer’s instructions, or Instant Pot on high pressure for 3 minutes with natural release. Let rice rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Brown the beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Flavors: Drain excess fat if necessary. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season It Up: Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Assemble the Bowl: Spoon a generous amount of cooked rice into bowls, top with the seasoned ground beef, then add any chosen vegetables around or on top. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional toppings such as kimchi or a fried egg.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Customize with your favorite vegetables; steaming them lightly preserves their nutrients.
A fried egg on top adds richness and protein.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean