Name: Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor); 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-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); Sesame seeds; Sliced cucumber; Kimchi; Pickled vegetables; Fried egg (for added richness); Vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach)

If you love bold, satisfying flavors and minimal fuss in the kitchen, the Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) is about to become your new dinner hero. Tender ground beef gets a savory, garlicky punch from soy sauce and ginger, then nestles atop a bed of steaming rice—all ready in just 25 minutes! The entire dish is endlessly customizable and layered with texture, thanks to optional veggies or a gooey fried egg on top. Whether you’re craving a speedy weeknight meal or prepping ahead for busy days, this bowl delivers serious comfort without the wait.

Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this list plays a key role, lending depth, richness, or color to your Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes). You’ll love how easily you can tweak the bowl to your taste, but don’t skip the basics—these are what bring true Korean flavors to the table.

Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20 for optimal flavor): Marbled ground beef keeps everything juicy and flavorful—don’t skimp on a bit of fat for the best taste.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons, or tamari for gluten-free): The salty, umami backbone of the dish, soy sauce pulls all the flavors together beautifully.
Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Just a drizzle of sesame oil adds irresistible nutty aroma that’s signature in Korean bowls.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses savory depth and a little sharpness, making the beef sing.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): This brightens everything up, adding a touch of heat and zing.
Green Onions (2, chopped, plus extra for garnish): They lend crunch, color, and a mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out all the flavors—taste as you go!
Cooked Rice (2 cups, jasmine, basmati, or brown rice): The base that soaks up all that saucy goodness; choose your favorite variety.
Optional Toppings: Sesame seeds, sliced cucumber, kimchi, or pickled vegetables for crunch, freshness, and extra punch.
Optional Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or spinach for color and nutrients.
Egg (fried, optional): For added richness, crown your bowl with a runny fried egg—delicious!

How to Make Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

Step 1: Cook the Rice

You’ll want your rice ready to go before anything else so you can spoon that gorgeous beef mixture right on top when it’s hot! Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then cook with your preferred method: on the stove, in a rice cooker, or in the Instant Pot. Fluffy, tender grains are what you’re after—let them rest a bit before you fluff with a fork for perfect texture.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and crumble the ground beef right in. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the meat until there’s no pink left—about 5 to 7 minutes. If your beef releases lots of fat, take a moment to drain off the excess for a lighter bowl.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Time to build on that flavor foundation! Toss in your minced garlic and ginger, stirring them into the beef. Sauté for a minute or two until everything is fragrant. This brief step draws out those lively aromatics and makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Season

Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil into the pan, stirring to coat all the beef pieces. Sprinkle in the chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently so the beef soaks up every bit of umami-rich flavor and the green onions soften slightly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Scoop a bed of hot rice into each bowl. Pile the glossy, savory ground beef mixture on top. If you’ve prepped any vegetables—lightly steam some broccoli or slice up crunchy bell peppers—nestle them beside the meat. Top it all with garnishes like extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a fried egg if you like. Every bite is a cozy, flavor-packed dream.

How to Serve Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes)

Garnishes

The magic is in the details! Sprinkle sesame seeds for subtle crunch, toss on extra sliced green onions for a fresh pop, or add a scoop of kimchi for classic Korean tang. If you enjoy a little heat, a swirl of gochujang or a dab of chili crisp takes things up a notch. Don’t forget, a fried egg on top transforms this simple dish into comfort food perfection.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) with simple sides turns it into a complete, satisfying spread. Lightly pickled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or classic Korean banchan like cucumber salad or spicy radishes balance the hearty beef. Even a bowl of miso soup or steamed edamame brings extra warmth and color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner fun by serving everything family-style! Set out bowls of rice, beef, veggies, and toppings for a DIY bar—everyone can build their perfect bowl. Layer yours in bento boxes for a portable lunch, or create lettuce wraps by scooping beef and rice into crisp romaine leaves. However you plate it, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this speedy classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Store your cooled Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) components—beef and rice—in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to four days, and keeping them separate ensures the rice doesn’t get soggy and flavors stay bold.

Freezing

The beef mixture freezes like a dream. Simply pack cooled ground beef into a freezer-safe bag or container, label and date it, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Rice is best fresh, but in a pinch, portioned out rice can also be frozen and reheated for quick assembly.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. If you find the beef a little dry, add a quick splash of water or extra soy sauce. To revive rice, sprinkle a tiny bit of water over it and microwave under a loose cover—this brings back that fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I swap the beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even firm tofu work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time and seasoning to suit your protein of choice—it’s the sauce and aromatics that truly make the Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) shine.

What kind of rice is best?

Jasmine rice is classic for its perfume and fluffiness, but basmati or even brown rice are delicious alternatives. You can use pre-cooked rice for an even faster meal—just make sure it’s warmed before building your bowl.

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Definitely! For a meatless version, crumble firm tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and follow the same seasoning and sautéing steps. Add extra veggies for more texture and flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) isn’t spicy, but it welcomes heat. Add gochujang, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce if you like it with a kick—or keep it mild for the whole family to enjoy.

How can I meal prep this recipe?

Cook the beef mixture and rice, then portion them into containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners. Keep garnishes separate until serving to maintain their freshness and crunch. The dish reheats beautifully, making your week that much easier!

Final Thoughts

The Korean Ground Beef Bowl (25-Minutes) is pure weeknight magic: bold, comforting, and ready faster than you can wrangle takeout menus. Give it a try and discover just how easy and flavorful a quick homemade bowl can be—I can’t wait for you to make it your own!