Dinner

Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls Recipe

Name: Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
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; 1 cup jasmine rice; 4 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix); 8 mini sweet peppers, sliced; 1 English cucumber, sliced; 2 green onions, finely sliced; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice

BySophie Carsel March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

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Introduction

Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy Korean-inspired cuisine at home. Combining savory marinated beef with fresh vegetables and a tangy chili garlic sauce, these bowls are perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows two white bowls filled with a colorful ground beef and vegetable rice dish on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of white rice, in the middle is a generous serving of browned ground beef mixed with finely chopped green onions, and on top and around the edges are thin, round slices of bright orange, red, and yellow mini bell peppers, along with fresh cucumber slices on one side. Some creamy, pinkish sauce is drizzled over the beef and vegetables, adding texture and contrast. In the background, there is a whole bulb of garlic and a black cast iron skillet filled with ground beef, along with a fork placed beside the bottom bowl. The overall look is fresh, colorful, and appetizing. 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
1 cup jasmine rice
4 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
8 mini sweet peppers (sliced)
1 English cucumber (sliced)
2 green onions (finely sliced)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the jasmine rice according to package directions and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the bulgogi sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the bulgogi sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green onions.
Step 4: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes.
Step 5: Drain any excess liquid or fat from the cooked beef, then return the skillet to the stove. Pour the bulgogi sauce over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds.
Step 7: To make the creamy chili garlic sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice until smooth.
Step 8: To assemble the bowls, place a base of cooked rice and shredded cabbage in wide, flat bowls.
Step 9: Top each bowl with the ground beef bulgogi, sliced cucumbers, mini sweet peppers, and finely sliced green onions.
Step 10: Drizzle the creamy chili garlic sauce over the top and serve immediately. This recipe makes about 4 bowls.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add a fried egg on top of each bowl for extra richness.
Try kimchi as an additional topping to boost flavor and add a spicy tang.
If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, use sriracha as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bulgogi sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat the beef and rice gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the bowls again. Add fresh toppings and sauce after reheating.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with a layered dish sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a base layer of white rice, topped with brown cooked ground meat mixed with green onions. On one side of the bowls, there are thin, bright orange, red, and yellow sliced mini bell peppers scattered over the meat and rice. The second bowl also contains thin, round slices of green cucumber and some shredded white and purple cabbage mixed with a light pink sauce drizzled on top. A silver fork lies on the surface beside the bowls, and a whole white garlic bulb is near a black cast iron skillet filled with more ground meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer such as brown rice, white long grain, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili garlic sauce, which you can adjust to your taste by adding more or less sauce.

Sophie Carsel