Korean Ground Beef Recipe is the fast track to big flavor on a busy night. With savory-sweet sauce, a touch of heat, and plenty of tender beef, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Toss it over rice, pile it into lettuce wraps, or spoon it over noodles it all works. One skillet, easy prep, and a bold, comforting dish the whole family will dig into without hesitation.
Why This Korean Ground Beef Recipe Is a Weeknight Win
Fast prep that fits your evening:
This meal comes together in less time than it takes to wrangle the kids into finishing their homework. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a hot dinner on the table that feels like you actually put in some effort—without really doing much at all.
Easy cleanup (because nobody wants dish duty):
One skillet is all you need. That means no juggling pots and pans, and no towering pile of dishes waiting to be tackled later. Cook, serve, wipe the pan, and you’re done.
Big flavor without a grocery list a mile long:
Soy sauce, garlic, a little ginger, and brown sugar transform plain ground beef into a dish that’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. It tastes like takeout comfort food but uses ingredients you probably already have hanging around in your pantry.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Korean Ground Beef Recipe (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Drain off any extra grease. Add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of minced ginger. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Mix Sauces and Serve:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of gochujang, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed rice or quinoa.
- Stir-fried vegetables.
- Simple salad with sesame dressing.
- Lettuce for wraps.
Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Sauces and seasonings
- 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnishes
- 1 green onion thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
- Drain off any extra grease.
- Add 1 large onion and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Adding Garlic and Ginger
- Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of minced ginger.
- Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Mixing Sauces and Serving
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of gochujang, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Korean chili flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped onion and pepper from the store.
- Purchase pre-minced garlic and ginger.
- Try rotisserie chicken instead of beef for a quick substitute.
- Look for bagged veggie mixes for easy prep.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Add frozen veggies for extra nutrition without extra cooking time.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Korean Ground Beef Recipe
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, pork, or chicken all work well here. Each will slightly change the flavor, but the sauce is versatile enough to complement them. Just make sure to cook the meat through before adding the sauce.
What if the sauce is too watery?
Let it simmer uncovered for a couple more minutes until it thickens. The cornstarch-free sauce reduces naturally. If you want it stickier, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and stir it in while cooking.
How do I make a double batch?
Simply double all the ingredients and use a large skillet or wok to give everything room. If your pan is smaller, cook the beef in two rounds, then combine with the sauce at the end. It reheats great, so making extra is smart meal prep.
Can I make this less spicy?
Sure thing. Cut the gochujang in half and skip the chili flakes if you want a milder dish. You’ll still get that sweet-savory flavor, just without as much heat.
What should I serve with Korean ground beef?
It’s delicious with steamed rice, quinoa, or even in tacos. Pair it with a fresh salad, stir-fried veggies, or lettuce wraps for a lighter option. The sauce is bold, so simple sides balance it well.
Wrap-Up: Quick Korean Ground Beef at Home
Korean Ground Beef Recipe proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy bold, savory flavors. With a simple sauce, one skillet, and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a dinner that feels special without being complicated. Serve it over rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or make a double batch for leftovers it’s flexible and family-approved. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why this one earns a permanent spot in the weeknight rotation.
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