One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground beef simmered in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce with vegetables and rice, all cooked together in one pot for an effortless, flavorful meal. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, sesame oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; mix thoroughly to coat the beef.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups water and add 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice and 1 diced carrot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in 3 chopped green onions and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice?

Korean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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