Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl 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; Fried egg (for added richness)

Imagine a dish that brings together bold, savory flavors with a comforting warmth—a perfect weeknight winner that’s as quick as it is delicious. This Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe does exactly that by combining seasoned ground beef with aromatic garlic, ginger, and the nutty hint of sesame oil, all resting atop fluffy rice. It’s a vibrant bowl that delivers immense satisfaction without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass pot is shown from the side, filled halfway with white rice at the bottom layer. On top of the rice, clear water is being poured, creating small bubbles where the water meets the rice. The pot has two handles on each side and sits on a black stove surface. The background and surrounding surface show a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch when combined. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the rich umami of soy sauce, the fragrant zing of garlic and ginger, or the fresh crunch of green onions. Together, they bring vibrant color, enticing aroma, and balanced taste to this Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe.

Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20): Provides juicy, flavorful meat with just the right fat content for richness.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness essential to Korean flavors.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s character.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers sharp warmth and pungency that meld beautifully with the beef.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Introduces a fresh, slightly spicy note that brightens the bowl.
Green onions (2, chopped): Add mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste and highlight all the other flavors.
Cooked rice (2 cups): The perfect neutral base—fluffy jasmine, nutty brown, or fragrant basmati each work beautifully.
Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a fried egg for richness and texture contrasts.
Optional vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition and color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by preparing your rice as the comforting foundation of this bowl. Whether you prefer jasmine for its fragrant subtly sweet notes, basmati for a light fluffiness, or brown rice for a nuttier bite, rinse it under cold water until clear to remove excess starch. Cook it either on the stove, in a rice cooker, or an Instant Pot. This step is all about setting a warm, fluffy canvas where the savory beef and vibrant toppings can shine.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use your spatula to break it apart, letting it brown evenly until it’s no longer pink. This caramelization stage is crucial because it unlocks rich, meaty flavors that make your Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe irresistibly tasty.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner bowl, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them with the beef for 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant. This step infuses the meat with those signature Korean flavors that wake up your senses and make the dish sing.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir in the chopped green onions. Sprinkle salt and pepper according to your preference, then let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and ensures every bite is bursting with that perfect savory balance unique to a great Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon a generous portion of fluffy rice into your serving bowl, creating a soft bed for the beef. Ladle the seasoned ground beef on top, letting all that rich sauce soak into the rice beneath. Add any vegetables you love—steamed broccoli or crisp bell peppers work wonderfully—and finish with your preferred garnishes. This step is where your bowl transforms from simple ingredients into a vibrant, comforting meal.

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing elevates your bowl both visually and flavor-wise. Sesame seeds bring a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness, while extra chopped green onions add freshness. A fried egg on top adds richness and makes dinner feel indulgent, and kimchi or pickled vegetables provide a tangy, spicy kick that cuts through the savory meat beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe with simple side dishes like steamed edamame or a fresh cucumber salad to add a crunchy, cooling contrast. Miso soup or a light seaweed salad can also complement the flavors without overshadowing the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the beef and rice in Mason jars or small bowls for portable lunches or party servings. You can also turn it into lettuce wraps by serving the beef and toppings alongside crisp lettuce leaves, encouraging everyone to build their own handheld delights. These ideas make the meal feel special and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and beef together, but if you’ve added delicate toppings like fried eggs or fresh cucumber, store those separately for best texture.

Freezing

Freeze portions of the cooked ground beef mixture (without rice) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Rice freezes less well but can be frozen in small portions if needed.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed beef gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving is fine too, but stir halfway through to heat evenly. Warm the rice separately to maintain its fluffy texture, then assemble your bowl fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While ground beef brings a rich flavor and juiciness, ground turkey or chicken can be lighter alternatives. Just watch the cooking time as they can dry out faster, and consider adding a bit more sesame oil for moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which have similar flavors without gluten. Just make sure any additional toppings or sides are also gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is versatile and welcoming of extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach. Simply add them steamed or sautéed alongside or on top for extra nutrients and texture.

How spicy is the Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe?

The base recipe is mild and savory, perfect for everyone. You can easily add heat with chili flakes, gochujang paste, or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.

What rice works best for this dish?

Jasmine, basmati, and brown rice all work wonderfully, each offering different flavor and texture profiles—jasmine brings floral notes, basmati is light and fluffy, and brown rice adds a nutty chewiness. Choose according to your mood or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, endlessly flexible, and full of flavors that delight your taste buds. Once you try it, I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. So grab that ground beef and let’s bring a little of Korea’s vibrant comfort food right into your kitchen tonight!

Korean Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need