Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 20 mins
Serves: 4 | Best for: busy weeknights + meal prep
When you need a fast dinner that tastes bold and satisfying, this Korean-inspired ground beef rice bowl is perfect. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, made with simple pantry ingredients—and it comes together in about 20 minutes.
The best part is the sauce: it’s quick to whisk, cooks in the pan, and coats the beef beautifully. Serve it over rice with cucumbers or shredded carrots, and you’ve got a weeknight meal that feels like takeout (without the wait).
For more quick weeknight ideas, check my Best Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners hub.
Best Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Bowl
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Big flavor with simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Great for meal prep
- Easy to customize with toppings
Ingredients
Ground beef
- 1 lb (450–500 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 tbsp oil (optional, only if beef is very lean)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
Korean-inspired sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if possible)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thicker sauce)
- now the Secret ingredient: sesame oil — it adds instant Korean-style flavor and makes the sauce taste more “restaurant-quality.” If you have it, don’t skip it
For serving
- cooked white rice or brown rice
- sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or sautéed spinach
- sesame seeds + sliced green onions
- spicy option: chili flakes or sriracha
How to Make Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Rice Bowl
1) Brown the beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
If there’s a lot of grease, drain most of it (leave a little for flavor).
2) Add garlic + ginger
Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 20–30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3) Add the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Pour into the skillet and stir well.
If you want the sauce thicker and stickier, add the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and coated.
4) Serve
Spoon the beef over warm rice and add toppings like cucumber, carrots, and green onions. Finish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat.
Best Toppings (Quick Ideas)
- Cucumber + green onion (fresh + crunchy)
- Carrots + sesame seeds (simple + sweet)
- Spinach or broccoli (more balanced)
- Fried egg on top (extra filling)
- If you love fast one-pan dinners, try my Honey Garlic Ground Beef Stir Fry (20-Minute One-Pan Dinner) next.
- Honey Garlic Ground Beef Stir Fry (20-Minute One-Pan Dinner)
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Brown the beef well first for deeper flavor.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if possible (then adjust at the end).
- Sesame oil makes it taste more “restaurant-style.”
- For meal prep, keep toppings separate so they stay crisp.
- For a cozy comfort dinner, don’t miss my Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner (One-Pan Meal).
- Cheesy Ground Beef Skillet Dinner (One-Pan Meal)
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a small splash of water, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one.
Meal prep tip: Keep rice and toppings separate for the best texture.
For the most up-to-date food safety recommendations, check the official guidance at FoodSafety.gov.
FAQ
Can I make this without sesame oil?
Yes. It still tastes great. Sesame oil just adds that extra “takeout” flavor.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes—use the same amount. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this good for meal prep?
Very. It reheats well and stays flavorful for a few days.