Name: Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended); 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1/2 small onion, diced; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving); 2 soft-boiled eggs (optional, for topping)

I love a meal that feels like comfort food but takes almost no time to pull together—and that’s exactly what this Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is. It’s one of those dishes that became a weeknight go-to after just one bite. The savory, slightly sweet flavor of the beef, paired with hot rice and a perfectly jammy egg, makes it unbelievably satisfying without being complicated.

What I really appreciate about this version of bulgogi is how accessible it is. Traditional bulgogi uses thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin, which is delicious, but not something I always have on hand. Ground beef, though? Always in my fridge. With just a few pantry staples—soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil—you can transform humble ground beef into something that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Korean restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Quick and easy – ready in about 20 minutes.
Budget-friendly – uses affordable ground beef and simple ingredients.
Versatile – great for rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or meal prep.
Family-friendly – the sweet-savory flavor is a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable – spice it up or keep it mild, your choice.

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

When it comes to making Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi, I recommend using 85% lean ground beef. It has just the right amount of fat to keep the beef juicy and flavorful without being overly greasy. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go for 90% lean—but you may need to add a bit more sesame oil to maintain that signature richness. Avoid very fatty blends like 70/30, as they can make the dish feel too heavy and oily.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re missing an ingredient or need to adjust for dietary needs, don’t worry—this recipe is super flexible:

Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have this on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works too.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best, but you can use powdered versions in a pinch—just reduce the quantity by half.
Toppings: No green onions or sesame seeds? Try chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or even pickled onions for a twist.

Ingredients for Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

Each ingredient in this recipe has a role to play in building bold flavor and that signature sweet-savory bulgogi taste:

Ground Beef – The star of the dish; hearty, juicy, and cooks quickly.
Soy Sauce – Adds deep umami and saltiness, giving the beef its signature bulgogi flavor.
Brown Sugar – Balances the saltiness with just the right amount of sweetness.
Sesame Oil – Brings rich, toasty depth and that distinct Korean flavor.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the beef with aromatic punch.
Ginger – Bright and warming, it cuts through the richness of the meat.
Onion – Adds texture and sweetness as it softens and caramelizes.
Rice Vinegar – A splash of tang to balance the sauce.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but perfect for a little kick of heat.
Green Onions – Sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
Sesame Seeds – A finishing touch that adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Cooked White Rice – The ideal base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Soft-Boiled Eggs – Creamy, jammy yolks complement the bold beef perfectly.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set it aside—this will be your flavor-packed bulgogi sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Let it brown evenly until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Onion

Stir in the diced onion and continue cooking until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 more minutes. This adds natural sweetness and texture to the beef.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meat.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Spoon cooked white rice into a bowl, top with a generous helping of the bulgogi beef, and add a halved soft-boiled egg. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy right away while the beef is juicy and flavorful and the egg yolk is still slightly runny. Every bite is packed with sweet, savory, and umami perfection.

How Long to Cook Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi

This dish is seriously quick from start to finish. Here’s how the timing breaks down:

Cooking the beef: About 5–6 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.
Sautéing onions: 3 minutes to soften and lightly caramelize.
Simmering with sauce: Another 3–5 minutes to thicken and coat the beef.

In total, you’re looking at under 15 minutes of active cooking time. Add in a few extra minutes if you’re boiling eggs or cooking rice, and you’ve still got dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Bulgogi

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Use a large skillet so the beef browns instead of steams.
Use fresh garlic and ginger: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Let the sauce reduce: Simmer just long enough so it thickens and clings to the beef, but not so long that it dries out.
Adjust sweetness and saltiness: Taste the sauce before adding it—add more sugar or soy sauce depending on your preference.
Make ahead for meal prep: The flavors deepen even more after sitting in the fridge overnight.
Use medium heat for simmering: This prevents the sauce from burning or reducing too fast.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common slip-ups that can affect the final result:

Using too lean beef: If your beef is very lean (like 93/7), it can dry out easily. Add a bit more sesame oil to keep it juicy.
Overcrowding the pan: This causes steaming instead of browning, which dulls the flavor. Cook in batches if needed.
Skipping the sauce simmer: The sauce needs a few minutes to reduce and thicken—don’t rush this step.
Using low-sodium soy sauce without adjusting salt: If you use a reduced-sodium option, you may need to season slightly more.
Overcooking the egg: For a jammy yolk, boil the eggs for exactly 6–7 minutes, then plunge them into an ice bath.
Forgetting to taste and tweak: Always taste before serving. You may want more sweetness, acidity, or heat.

What to Serve With Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi?

This dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few sides for a complete meal:

Quick Kimchi

The spicy, tangy crunch of kimchi balances the savory-sweet beef perfectly.

Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes refresh the palate.

Steamed or Fried Egg

Top each bowl with an egg—soft-boiled for creaminess or sunny-side-up for a runny yolk.

Jasmine or Brown Rice

Classic, fluffy rice is ideal for soaking up every bit of sauce.

Steamed Dumplings

A fun, satisfying side that complements the umami flavor of the beef.

Lettuce Wraps

Use butter lettuce to turn this dish into light, hand-held wraps with a crunch.

Pickled Radish or Carrots

Bright, tangy pickles add contrast and a burst of color to your plate.

Miso or Seaweed Soup

A warm, brothy soup rounds out the meal and adds a little comfort to your bowl.

Storage Instructions

Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is a fantastic meal prep option because it stores and reheats beautifully.

Refrigerator: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep rice and eggs separate for best texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked beef for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce if it looks dry.

Estimated Nutrition

Please note, these values are estimates and can vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.

Serving Size: 1 bowl (including rice, beef, and egg)
Calories: ~520
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Cholesterol: 190mg

This dish offers a great balance of protein and carbs, making it a filling and satisfying meal, whether for lunch, dinner, or next-day leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice is best for bulgogi bowls?

Short-grain white rice is traditional, but jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice work well. The key is to choose a rice that’s fluffy and can absorb the sauce.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a squeeze of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce for an extra kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, since soy sauce contains gluten. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes—just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even browning and proper texture.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely. This recipe scales up beautifully. Just use a larger skillet or cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.

What vegetables go well with ground beef bulgogi?

Stir-fried bok choy, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or snap peas all complement the flavors nicely.

Do I have to include the egg?

Nope! The egg is optional, though it adds richness and texture. You can skip it or swap it for tofu or avocado slices.

How can I reduce the sodium?

Use a low-sodium soy sauce, and reduce the amount slightly. You can also cut back on the added salt in any sides you serve with it.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is the ultimate quick-fix dinner: fast, flavorful, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, a little spicy, and wonderfully comforting. With pantry staples and a pack of ground beef, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it took hours but only took 20 minutes. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat.