This easy Korean beef bowl recipe is a healthy and family-friendly take on Korean rice bowls. Made with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for macro-counting moms and quick weeknight dinners.
An easy and macro-friendly take on Korean rice bowls with simple swaps and family-friendly ingredients.
If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick dinner that’s easy to customize for your family and fits your goals (hi fellow macro-counting moms!), then you’re going to love this Korean beef bowl recipe. It’s inspired by the classic Korean rice bowls we all crave—packed with savory-sweet ground beef, crisp veggies, and that irresistible balance of salty and umami—but with a few tweaks that make it weeknight-friendly and kid-approved.
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, is easy to meal prep, and can be customized depending on what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or tracking your macros, this Korean bowl is here to make your life easier—and more delicious.
RELATED: The Best Protein Cookie Dough Recipe (Edible, Delicious & High in Protein!)
Why You’ll Love This Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
- 🍽️ Quick & Easy: 30 minutes start to finish.
- 🍚 Macro-friendly: Sub cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
- 👩👧👦 Family-approved: Serve deconstructed for picky eaters.
- 🌱 Customizable: Add or omit veggies and sauces as needed.
- 🥄 Meal-prep magic: Make once, eat twice!
What Are Korean Bowls?
Korean rice bowls are traditionally made with marinated beef (like bulgogi), rice, veggies, and sometimes a fried egg—all topped with savory sauces like gochujang or soy garlic. Think of it as a balanced, flavorful bowl that checks all the boxes: protein, veggies, carbs, flavor!
This version simplifies the process by using ground beef and pantry staples, while still keeping those signature Korean-inspired flavors.
RELATED: High Protein Dip Recipe For Healthy Snacking
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I used for our Korean beef bowl recipe:
For the beef:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger or fresh (I used fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the bowl:
- Cauliflower rice (or white or jasmine rice)
- Red bell pepper (sliced and sautéed separately)
- Shredded carrots
- Pickled red onions (my addition!)
- Green onion for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Optional Add-Ons:
RELATED: Gut Healthy Lemon Mint Spritzer Recipe
How to Make Korean Rice Bowls
This Korean beef bowl recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it comes together:
- Cook your base:
Prepare cauliflower rice according to package instructions (or sub in cooked jasmine rice). Set aside. - Sauté veggies:
In a separate pan, sauté sliced red bell pepper until just tender. (You can also do this ahead of time!) - Cook the beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat if needed. - Add flavor:
Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Assemble your bowl:
Layer cauliflower rice (or rice of choice), then add beef, red bell peppers, shredded carrots, and pickled red onions. - Top it off:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Add a fried egg or spicy sauce if desired.
RELATED: Easy Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe
Why I Made It This Way
This recipe was adapted based on what I had on hand and what my family will actually eat. I skipped the cucumber (thanks, grocery store recall 😅), skipped the egg (not everyone’s thing in my house), and left out gochujang or sriracha so my kids wouldn’t scream “It’s spicy!”
Instead, I added pickled red onions for a tangy crunch and kept all the components separate so everyone could build their own bowl. And of course, I swapped in cauliflower rice for myself to make it macro-friendly while still satisfying.
RELATED: Easy Keto Chicken Breast Recipes: Keto Caprese Chicken
Serving Tips
- 🍱 Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- 🧊 Freezer-Friendly: The cooked beef freezes beautifully—just defrost and serve.
- 👶 Kid-Friendly Version: Serve with plain rice, beef, and carrots. Let them pick what goes in!
Watch the Recipe Reel
Want to see it all come together in real-time? Watch the Korean beef bowl reel on Instagram here:
Whether you’re navigating picky palates or hitting protein goals, this Korean bowl is a must-try. It’s flexible, flavorful, and full of simple ingredients that make it feel like takeout—but better for your body and budget.
And hey, if you’re a busy mom trying to get dinner on the table while keeping one eye on homework and another on the laundry… this recipe is for you. 😉
XOXO,
Allison
