Dinner

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Name: Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; ½ cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 5 cloves minced garlic; ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

BySophie Carsel March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

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Introduction

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic Korean barbecue dish. This recipe delivers a savory, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly coats tender ground beef, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a satisfying meal.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with cooked ground beef mixed with small green onion pieces and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The beef is brown and crumbly with a saucy texture that looks moist. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the beef mixture, showing the texture clearly against the rest of the pan’s contents. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
½ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
5 cloves minced garlic
½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bulgogi sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then whisk this into the sauce. Stir in the chopped green onions and minced garlic.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 3: Drain any excess liquid or fat from the cooked beef and return the skillet to the heat. Pour the prepared bulgogi sauce over the beef and stir to evenly coat. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Remove from heat. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the bulgogi over rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or over a cabbage bowl.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
Add sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots when browning the beef for added texture and nutrition.
Serve with kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean flair.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.