Dinner

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe

Name: Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice; Sliced green onions, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

ByIsabella Vance February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

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Introduction

This Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a savory sauce and a touch of sweetness, it brings classic Korean-inspired flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.

A close-up top view of a black bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is a bed of fluffy white rice with a soft, slightly sticky texture, and the top layer is a generous portion of cooked ground beef that is brown with slight caramelized edges, sprinkled with small green onion pieces and sesame seeds, with a touch of red chili flakes for color. Two light brown wooden chopsticks rest on the right side, partly inserted into the beef, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking the meat into crumbles, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Serve the flavorful ground beef over hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add color and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, stir in some steamed broccoli or shredded carrots when adding the sauce.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Add a fried egg on top for a richer meal and added protein.
If you like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover beef and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating the rice with the beef sauce to preserve texture.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black cast iron pan filled with cooked ground beef, scattered with chopped green onions and light sesame seeds on top. The ground beef is dark brown with a slightly crumbly texture, and the green onions add fresh bright green color across the surface. A wooden spoon scoops some of the beef from the pan, showing the texture clearly. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth folded in the upper corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced-sodium?

Yes, regular soy sauce works fine but may result in a slightly saltier dish. You can reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.