Name: Quick & Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl – Better Than Takeout Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb); Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices

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Introduction

If you’re craving a fast, flavorful meal that tastes better than takeout, this Korean Ground Beef Bowl is the answer. With sweet and savory notes and a hint of heat, it’s a comforting dish ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect over warm rice and easy to customize for any palate.

A bowl of food with four distinct layers arranged in separate sections: on the bottom right is a fluffy white rice base, topped slightly with small green onion pieces; next to the rice, on the upper right, is a bright orange shredded carrot layer with black pepper and white sesame seeds sprinkled on top; in the center sits a mound of dark brown cooked ground meat garnished with chopped green onions and white sesame seeds; on the left side, there are thin, overlapping slices of green cucumber sprinkled with sesame seeds. The bowl is light gray and placed on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Serve hot over cooked rice and top with your favorite veggies, sesame seeds, or green onions. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Make it meal prep–friendly by doubling the batch and storing portions in the fridge for up to 4 days; it reheats beautifully.
Try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness and texture.
Use fresh garlic and ginger whenever possible for the best flavor.
Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a keto-friendly bowl.
Adjust spice level by adding more gochujang or red pepper flakes, or omit if you prefer mild.
For a vegan version, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or meatless ground, and increase soy sauce and sesame oil slightly.

Storage

Store leftover beef mixture and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help keep it moist when reheating.

How to Serve

A bowl with four clear layers arranged in sections: the bottom layer is white sticky rice with a soft texture, taking up about one third of the bowl; next to it, finely shredded bright orange carrots are placed in a neat pile with a slightly glossy surface; next to the carrots, dark brown cooked ground meat with small bits and a moist look is topped with chopped green onion rings and sprinkled white sesame seeds; the last section shows fresh cucumber slices with a green skin and light green center, also sprinkled with sesame seeds. All ingredients are arranged inside a white bowl on a white marbled surface, with a blue cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives, though cooking time and flavor may vary slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which are optional. You can easily adjust the spice to your taste by adding more or leaving it out entirely.