Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain recommended); Optional: 1/2 cup shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra veggies

Description

A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired ground beef bowl with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Ready in 20 minutes, this budget-friendly meal is perfect for weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or short-grain recommended)
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra veggies

Instructions

Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Combine & Simmer
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add Garnishes & Serve
Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions. Serve over warm cooked rice, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for a leaner option.
Add Vegetables: Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add gochujang (Korean chili paste).
Serve with Noodles: Try it over ramen, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles.
Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: main dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean-inspired

Keywords: Korean beef bowl, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, quick meal, meal prep