These Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are the ultimate quick dinner solution. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy Korean-inspired beef recipe combines savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of spice for a bold, irresistible flavor. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice and top with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a family-friendly meal that tastes better than takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simple comfort food with big flavor.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rice cooker or pot (for rice)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and minced garlic.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles until no longer pink.
Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and pepper.
3️⃣ Simmer & Thicken
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef.
Stir and let simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
The mixture should coat the beef evenly.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bowls 🍚
Spoon beef mixture over hot cooked rice.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons if preferred.
- Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or spinach.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store beef and rice separately for up to 4 days.
- Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 238 | 25g | 16g | 8g | 1g | 14g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and minced garlic until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until combined.
- Pour sauce over the cooked beef and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and well coated.
- Spoon beef mixture over cooked rice and garnish as desired before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
These Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are proof that quick dinners don’t have to be boring. Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced, this easy Korean-inspired recipe is a weeknight hero your family will ask for again and again.