Name: Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat—Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi brings bold Korean-inspired flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, filling, and delicious. The combination of tender ground beef caramelized in a soy-sesame glaze with hints of garlic and ginger is utterly irresistible.

Served over warm rice with a soft-boiled egg on the side, this bulgogi bowl is a comfort food classic with a simple twist. The best part? You don’t need any fancy cuts of meat or long marinating times. Ground beef makes it budget-friendly and accessible while still packing a punch.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

Stick with lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for this recipe. You want enough fat for flavor but not so much that it turns greasy. Leaner cuts also absorb the sweet and salty marinade better, letting those bold bulgogi notes shine through.

Ingredients for the Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Ground Beef: The star of the dish—quick cooking and a perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Gives it that signature bulgogi sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Sesame Oil: Brings that nutty, toasty flavor Korean cuisine is known for.
Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics that build flavor and aroma.
Green Onions: Added at the end for a pop of freshness.
Cooked Rice: The perfect canvas to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Soft-Boiled Egg (optional): Adds richness and texture when served on top.

How To Make the Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a bit of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and coat the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Toss in chopped green onions and stir. Spoon the bulgogi over bowls of cooked rice and top with a soft-boiled egg if you’re feeling fancy. Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra flair.

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Bulgogi

Serve it hot over steamed white or jasmine rice. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

What to Serve With Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi?

Korean Cucumber Salad

Crisp and lightly pickled, this balances the richness of the beef.

Kimchi

A must-have spicy, fermented side for authentic flair.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple, green, and perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.

Miso Soup

Light and comforting, pairs beautifully with bold bulgogi flavors.

Stir-Fried Zucchini

Add more veggies to the plate without overpowering the main dish.

Spicy Mayo Drizzle

Mix mayo with sriracha for a creamy kick over the top.

Roasted Seaweed Snacks

Crunchy and salty bites to complement the soft beef and rice.

Want More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi, you’ll want to check out these other satisfying meals:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cozy, pasta-packed meal.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s weeknight perfection.
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole if you’re craving comfort in a dish.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a saucy, garlic-kissed twist.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta that blends rich and hearty in every bite.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add a spicy kick? Or maybe swapped in turkey?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions welcome too—we’re here to cook smarter, not harder.

Explore beautifully curated dinner ideas and quick Korean-inspired meals on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dinner obsession!

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

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Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Craving something savory, sweet, and ridiculously easy to throw together on a busy night? This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is your next go-to weeknight winner. It’s loaded with flavor from soy, garlic, and ginger, with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, an easy recipe with ground beef, or just new food ideas to spice up your week, this dish is a must. Served over rice and optionally topped with a soft-boiled egg, it’s comforting, satisfying, and completely addictive. A fantastic option for an easy dinner or healthy lunch prep.