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Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean-inspired
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls are a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring savory ground beef cooked with garlic and a sweet-salty Korean-inspired sauce, served atop fluffy white or brown rice and garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. This easy one-pan meal comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while delivering authentic takeout-style flavors everyone will love.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 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

To Serve

  • 2 cups hot cooked white or brown rice
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula or spoon. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
  2. Prepare and Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the meat evenly, then allow the mixture to simmer for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  3. Serve: Spoon the savory beef over hot cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup beef and 1/2 cup rice)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg