This Korean Ground Beef and Veggies recipe is a quick and easy take on a delicious, savory Korean-inspired dish. Featuring lean ground beef browned with garlic and sesame oil, simmered in a rich soy sauce and brown sugar sauce, and mixed with shredded zucchini and carrots, it’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight. This dish is flavorful, satisfying, and can be served with rice for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb extra-lean ground beef
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded zucchini
1/2 cup shredded carrots
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onion, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving

Directions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through.
Add the sesame oil and minced garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes.
Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Add the shredded zucchini and carrots, cooking until heated through.
Serve the beef and veggies over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: 247 kcal
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

Why You’ll Love Korean Ground Beef and Veggies

This dish combines several elements that make it stand out as a delicious and practical meal option. Here’s why Korean Ground Beef and Veggies is a must-try:

Quick and Easy – One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavor-packed dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Balance of Flavors – The dish brings together the savory depth of soy sauce, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the aromatic notes of sesame oil and garlic. Together, they create a well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and comforting.
Packed with Nutrients – With lean ground beef, shredded zucchini, and carrots, this dish offers a great combination of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The veggies not only provide color and texture but also contribute essential nutrients, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
Customizable – This dish can be easily adjusted based on your preferences. You can add extra vegetables, spice it up with chili flakes, or even use a different protein like chicken or tofu. It’s the kind of recipe that allows for flexibility, ensuring that you can make it your own every time.
Family-Friendly – Korean Ground Beef and Veggies has a mild flavor that’s easy to love, making it a great choice for family meals. The kids will enjoy the sweet-savory beef mixture, while the addition of veggies ensures that the dish remains balanced and healthy.

The Star of the Dish: Ground Beef

At the heart of this dish is ground beef, which adds a rich, savory flavor that forms the base of the meal. Here’s why ground beef is the perfect protein for this recipe:

Lean and Healthy – This recipe calls for extra-lean ground beef, which is lower in fat than regular ground beef. By choosing a leaner cut, you’re ensuring that the dish is healthier while still maintaining the juicy, tender texture that makes ground beef so satisfying. Ground beef is also a great source of protein, which helps build muscle, keep you feeling full, and support overall body function.
Quick to Cook – Ground beef cooks quickly, which makes it an ideal protein for weeknight dinners. It browns easily and absorbs flavors well, so it can be cooked in just a few minutes. This cuts down on cooking time and allows you to focus on other elements of the dish.
Versatile – Ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from burgers to tacos to casseroles. In this Korean-inspired dish, it takes on the role of the main protein while absorbing the flavors of the soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.

Sesame Oil – The Aromatic Secret

One of the key ingredients that gives this dish its distinct flavor profile is sesame oil. This nutty oil adds a subtle richness and aromatic depth that enhances the savory elements of the dish. Here’s why it’s so important:

Distinct Flavor – Sesame oil imparts a unique, nutty flavor that’s integral to many Asian dishes, particularly in Korean cooking. It balances out the sweetness of brown sugar and the saltiness of soy sauce, creating a depth of flavor that’s unmistakably Korean.
Aromatic and Rich – The oil doesn’t just add flavor—it also contributes to the aromatic profile of the dish. When you sauté the garlic and ground beef in sesame oil, it creates a rich fragrance that will fill your kitchen and make the dish even more inviting.
A Healthier Fat – Sesame oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. It’s a good choice for cooking because it enhances the flavors of the food without contributing to unhealthy trans fats.

Shredded Veggies – Adding Freshness and Nutrients

The addition of shredded zucchini and carrots in this dish does more than just add color. They bring crunch, fiber, and essential vitamins that balance out the richness of the beef. Here’s why they’re a great addition:

Zucchini – Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that’s full of water, making it an excellent addition to this dish. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system, and potassium, which is important for heart health.
Carrots – Carrots add both sweetness and crunch to the dish. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports vision health, and fiber, which promotes digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Nutrient Balance – By adding these fresh vegetables to the ground beef mixture, you’re increasing the nutritional value of the dish without compromising on flavor. The vegetables are lightly cooked, preserving their freshness and crispness.

Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar – The Sweet-Salty Base

The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a rich, slightly sweet-and-salty sauce that coats the ground beef and veggies. Here’s why this combination is so effective:

Umami – Soy sauce is a great source of umami, the fifth basic taste that adds a savory depth to the dish. This brings out the flavor of the ground beef and helps the other ingredients meld together.
Sweetness – Brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. The sweetness enhances the flavor of the beef and vegetables, while also helping to caramelize the dish slightly as it cooks.
Versatile Sauce – This soy sauce and brown sugar mixture can be used in many other dishes. It’s a great base for stir-fries, marinades, and other Asian-inspired meals.

Serving and Garnishing Ideas

While this dish is delicious on its own, you can add some finishing touches to make it even more appealing:

Serve with Rice – The beef and veggie mixture pairs perfectly with steamed rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and provides a nice balance to the richness of the meat and sauce. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions – A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few slices of green onion add a burst of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish. The sesame seeds bring a slight crunch, while the green onions add freshness and crispness.
Hot Sauce – If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce to spice things up. This will add an extra layer of flavor and heat that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the savoriness of the soy sauce.

Conclusion

Korean Ground Beef and Veggies is a fantastic dish that combines the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil with the freshness of zucchini and carrots, creating a savory and satisfying meal. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal that can be easily customized, this dish has you covered.

The lean ground beef provides a hearty base, while the aromatic sauce and vegetables bring layers of flavor and texture. With its balanced nutritional profile, this recipe offers a great combination of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.

Korean Ground Beef and Veggies is a versatile and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. From its savory sauce to its fresh vegetables, this dish is an irresistible combination of comfort and flavor that will leave you coming back for more.

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