If you’ve been craving a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy Korean-inspired meal, this Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi will hit the spot. It’s a weeknight hero — made with simple pantry staples, quick to prepare, and full of bold flavor.
Unlike traditional bulgogi, which often requires marinating sliced beef, this recipe uses ground beef for a faster, budget-friendly take. You still get the umami-rich sauce with soy, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, but in a form that’s easy to cook and versatile to serve.
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or even tacos. You’ll love how quickly it comes together — and how satisfying it is.
If you’re into cozy and flavorful meals, check out my One Pot Cowboy Spaghetti — another hearty ground beef recipe perfect for busy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Quick & simple – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly – ground beef is affordable and cooks fast.
- Versatile – serve over rice, in wraps, or as bowls.
- Meal-prep friendly – keeps well in the fridge and freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (plus 2 teaspoons, divided)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon scallion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 4 large soft-boiled eggs (for serving)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Bulgogi
1. Make the bulgogi sauce
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
2. Cook the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add onions
Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Combine with sauce
Pour the sauce over the beef and onion mixture. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons brown sugar. Stir well and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Finish & serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or your favorite sides. Add soft-boiled eggs for richness.
Serving Ideas for Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
This ground beef recipe works in so many ways:
- Over rice – a classic pairing; the rice soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- In lettuce wraps – fresh, crunchy, and low-carb.
- With soft-boiled eggs – creamy yolk adds richness.
- Bulgogi tacos – fill tortillas with beef, avocado, and lime.
- Bulgogi bowls – pair with quinoa, brown rice, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Bulgogi
- Use fresh ingredients – fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference.
- Adjust sweetness – add more or less brown sugar to your taste.
- Go spicy – mix in red pepper flakes or gochujang for heat.
- Add veggies – toss in bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for texture.
- Try other proteins – ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store cooled beef in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
FAQs About Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi
Can I use different types of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great leaner swaps.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or gochujang to the sauce.
What can I serve this with?
Rice, lettuce wraps, eggs, or fresh veggies all work well.
How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 3–4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course — just play with the brown sugar to your liking.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi, here are more recipes worth trying:
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Beef Bulgogi is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re serving it over rice, tucking it into lettuce wraps, or turning it into tacos, it’s a dish that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Keep it in your rotation as a reliable ground beef recipe that’s simple yet satisfying.