Make delicious ground beef bulgogi in just 15 minutes! This quick, budget-friendly Korean beef bowl uses simple pantry ingredients for an easy weeknight dinner.

Korean beef and rice bowl made with ground beef bulgogi in a serving bowl with kimchi.

“Ever since I made this it’s one of my most requested dishes from my daughter. Quick, easy, and tasty!”

Alexis

If you’re craving a delicious Korean beef rice bowl, try this Korean ground beef bulgogi recipe. It quickly turns a pound of ground beef into a tasty meal.

Traditional beef bulgogi, made with sliced beef, requires lengthy marinating and some prep work before cooking. While it’s a fantastic dish, it can be time-consuming.

Korean ground beef bulgogi with kimchi in a serving dish.

In contrast, if you’re short on time, this ground beef bulgogi is a lifesaver. It only takes 15 minutes to cook, and you’ll have a scrumptious dinner ready, especially if you have pre-cooked rice.

Using lean ground beef makes it less greasy and it’s also budget-friendly—a perfect, budget Asian meal. Additionally, this ground beef bulgogi works great as a topping, especially for an easy bibimbap recipe. It’s truly a win-win recipe!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Bulgogi

Ingredients for Korean ground beef recipe.

If you have a well-stocked Asian pantry, you probably already have all the necessary ingredients. If not, you can easily find everything at your local grocery store.

For the ground beef, choose a leaner cut, like 90%. It delivers rich and meaty flavors and goes well with the sauce.

How to make ground beef bulgogi

Quick bulgogi sauce mix to make Korean ground beef recipe.

Step 1. Whisk all the bulgogi sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Onion and garlic cooking in a skillet.

Step 2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes.

A pound of ground beef is added to the skillet to cook.

Step 3. Add ground beef and cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.

Ground beef and bulgogi sauce simmering in a skillet.

Step 4. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer until it is heated through and the sauce reduces, about 1-2 minutes.

Green onion added to garnish ground beef bulgogi at the end.

Step 5. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

Korean ground beef recipe for bulgogi served in a dish with kimchi.

Serving Suggestions

For a simple yet satisfying meal, sprinkle a modest amount of this meaty topping over a bowl of steaming rice or hearty multigrain rice.

Pair with your choice of fresh vegetables or a side of kimchi. You an also complement this dish with an assortment of traditional Korean side dishes for a complete, flavor-packed meal.

Storage and Reheating tip

Store leftover beef in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe zip bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, either microwave to heat through or cook in a skillet with a little bit of oil over the stove top.

Korean beef and rice bowl made with ground beef bulgogi in a serving bowl.

Ground Beef Bulgogi (Easy Korean Beef Bowl)

Make ground beef bulgogi in just 15 minutes for a satisfying Korean beef bowl. Savory, delicious, and budget-friendly, this quick dish comes together easily with pantry staples!
4.99 from 79 ratings

Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, preferably 90% lean
  • 2 green onion , finely chopped, optional

For bulgogi sauce

Instructions 

  • Mix all the bulgogi sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer until it is heated through and the sauce reduces, about 2 minutes. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Calories: 386kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 12g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 1149mg, Potassium: 394mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 3IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 57mg, Iron: 3mg
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