
Introduction
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is a simple, flavorful dinner that brings bold, comforting Korean-inspired flavors straight to your table with minimal effort. Ground beef is simmered with garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce, then served over warm rice with fresh toppings for the perfect balance of richness and freshness. This dish is ideal for weeknight cooking, meal prep, or anytime you want a satisfying bowl packed with depth, aroma, and color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly quick to make, requires only one pan, and uses affordable ingredients that you may already have at home. Its combination of savory ground beef, warm rice, and vibrant toppings creates a balanced dinner that works beautifully for families or individuals who love bold yet simple meals. Because it’s easy to customize with vegetables, grains, or different proteins, it fits a variety of eating styles while still delivering amazing flavor. It also reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep days.
Ingredients List
For the Beef Bowl
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (alcohol-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)
Optional Bowl Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Kimchi (non-alcohol version)
- Pickled vegetables
- A fried egg
- Sliced carrots or shredded carrots
Optional Vegetable Add-Ins
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Zucchini
- Snap peas

Equipment (Optional)
- Large skillet
- Rice cooker, stovetop pot, or Instant Pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1-Prepare the Rice
1. Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rice and water to your cooking method of choice (stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot).
3. Cook until tender, then fluff and set aside.
2- Cook the Ground Beef
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then add the chopped green onions.
5. Stir well and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors deepen.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

3-Assemble the Bowl
1. Add a generous scoop of warm rice to the base of your bowl.
2. Spoon the savory ground beef mixture over the rice.
3. Add any vegetables you like, such as cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, or peppers.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a fried egg.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed bowl.
Tips & Tricks
- For richer flavor, let the beef simmer for an extra few minutes after adding the seasonings.
- If you want a thicker, stickier sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- For extra freshness, top with cucumber ribbons or shredded carrots.
- If making for meal prep, store rice and beef separately to keep textures perfect.
Variations
- Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add sautéed zucchini, snap peas, or shredded carrots directly into the pan with the beef.
- Spicy Variation: Mix in chili flakes or a small spoon of gochujang.
- Protein Swap: Try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this ground beef bowl alongside cucumber salad, quick pickled vegetables, or steamed broccoli. It also pairs wonderfully with rice noodles or quinoa for a different texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warm. If using rice, sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to restore softness.
Print
Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl Dinner Recipe
This Korean Ground Beef Bowl recipe is a simple, flavorful dinner that brings bold, comforting Korean-inspired flavors straight to your table with minimal effort. Ground beef is simmered with garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce, then served over warm rice with fresh toppings for the perfect balance of richness and freshness. This dish is ideal for weeknight cooking, meal prep, or anytime you want a satisfying bowl packed with depth, aroma, and color.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef Bowl
-
1 pound ground beef
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce (alcohol-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)
Optional Bowl Toppings
-
Sesame seeds
-
Sliced cucumber
-
Kimchi (non-alcohol version)
-
Pickled vegetables
-
A fried egg
-
Sliced carrots or shredded carrots
Optional Vegetable Add-Ins
-
Bell peppers
-
Broccoli
-
Spinach
-
Zucchini
-
Snap peas
Instructions
1. Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rice and water to your cooking method of choice (stovetop, rice cooker, or Instant Pot).
3. Cook until tender, then fluff and set aside.
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then add the chopped green onions.
5. Stir well and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors deepen.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
1. Add a generous scoop of warm rice to the base of your bowl.
2. Spoon the savory ground beef mixture over the rice.
3. Add any vegetables you like, such as cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, or peppers.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds, extra green onions, or a fried egg.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed bowl.
Notes
This is a versatile recipe that works well for dinner, meal prep, or lunch the next day. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and experiment with different toppings for endless variations.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: korean









