Craving restaurant-quality Korean flavors but need dinner on the table in 20 minutes? This Easy Korean Ground Beef transforms simple pantry staples into a family favorite that rivals your favorite takeout spot. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, this budget-friendly recipe delivers big taste without the big price tag

Why you’ll love this weeknight wonder: It uses just eight simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup, and provides an impressive 26 grams of protein per serving to keep your family satisfied. The best part? Even picky eaters can’t resist the irresistible combination of tender ground beef glazed in a savory-sweet sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.

Perfect for busy families, this Korean ground beef recipe is incredibly versatile—serve it over rice for a classic bowl, wrap it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or stuff it into tacos for a fusion twist. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep and freezes beautifully, making it your secret weapon for those hectic weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and nutritious.

Ready to turn that package of ground beef into something extraordinary? Let’s get cooking!

Easy Korean Ground Beef

This Easy Korean Ground Beef recipe delivers 26 g of protein (46% DV) per serving to support muscle health and keep you full. It’s also an excellent source of iron (44% DV), vital for energy and healthy blood. Fresh ginger offers anti-inflammatory properties supporting joint comfort and immunity, while garlic provides antioxidants for heart health. Toasted sesame oil adds heart-healthy fats linked to lower blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 360

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce Using Tamari makes this recipe gluten free!
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 green onions chopped (reserve half for garnish)
• 4 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

Method

 

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook beef 5–7 min until no pink remains. Drain fat.
2. Add aromatics
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1–2 min until fragrant.
4. Whisk soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over beef, stir to coat.
5. Cook 5–7 min until sauce thickens. Stir in sesame oil and half the green onions.
6. Spoon over brown rice. Garnish with remaining onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

For an extra nutritional boost, add matchstick carrots

Cauliflower rice for low-carb

Lettuce wraps for crunch

Korean tacos in corn tortillas

Sliced cucumbers & carrots on the side

Storage & Meal Prep
Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.

Freezer: Up to 3 months; cool completely before portioning.

Double the recipe; freeze half for easy meals.

I suggest using a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet to make this recipe!