Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner You’ll Keep Coming Back To
This Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s sweet, savory, slightly spicy, and comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Served over warm rice and finished with fresh toppings, it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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3 tbsp brown sugar
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¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
Optional Toppings
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Sliced green onions
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Sesame seeds
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Shredded carrots
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Cucumber slices
Instructions
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Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. -
Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. -
Make the Sauce
Add brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef. -
Serve
Spoon the beef mixture over cooked rice. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy hot.
Notes
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Meal-prep friendly: Double the recipe and store portions in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Add a fried egg: Not traditional, but incredibly delicious and adds richness.
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Fresh garlic & ginger make a big flavor difference if you have them.
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Want more veggies? Stir-fry bell peppers or broccoli right in the pan.
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For extra heat, add a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha.