One-Pot Spicy Korean Beef and Rice Skillet

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-26 · Updated 2026-07-26

A savory and spicy Korean-inspired beef skillet cooked with tender rice and vegetables in one pot for an easy weeknight meal. This korean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, white rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 3, sliced green onions
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 4 minced garlic cloves, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 diced medium carrot and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add 1 cup white rice and stir to coat the grains in the beef mixture.
3. Step 3: Pour in 1 1/4 cups water, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp gochujang, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and gently fold in 2 cups baby spinach and 3 sliced green onions. Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the top and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 1/2 tsp black pepper before serving.