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Korean Ground Beef Bowl

Korean ground beef bowl - featured image

This Korean ground beef bowl is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner featuring lean ground beef, a sweet-savory garlic soy sauce, and customizable veggies, all served over rice. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 preferred, but any ground beef works)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp (24g) brown sugar (or honey/coconut sugar)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or gochugaru, optional)
  • 1/2 pear or apple, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups (350g) cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice/quinoa for low-carb)
  • 12 cups mixed vegetables, chopped (carrots, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, etc.)
  • Kimchi (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions (about 15–20 minutes for white or brown rice). For cauliflower rice, heat in a skillet for 3–4 minutes.
  2. While rice cooks, chop mixed vegetables, slice green onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger and pear/apple (if using).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated pear/apple, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Pour the sauce over the browned beef. Stir well and let simmer for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat.
  6. Add chopped vegetables to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2–4 minutes, until veggies are bright and tender-crisp. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove from heat. Spoon beef and veggie mixture over bowls of hot rice.
  8. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and kimchi if desired. Drizzle with extra sesame oil for a glossy finish.
  9. If the mixture looks watery, simmer longer. If too salty, add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar. For meal prep, portion into containers and refrigerate.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos and serve with rice or quinoa. Swap ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for beef as desired. Add a fried egg on top for extra richness. Use any vegetables you have on hand. Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days and taste even better as the flavors develop.

Nutrition

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