Spicy Sesame Ground Beef Bowls

Ready in under 30 minutes, these spicy sesame ground beef bowls are a regular in our rotation. This easy weeknight dinner recipe requires little effort yet is high in flavor.

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Quick and easy dinner recipes are the name of the game with these simple ground beef bowls. We also love this creamy tomato spinach pasta and this curry chicken rice bowl. Check out all of our delicious and healthier dinner recipes for more inspiration.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is quick to make – and gets gobbled up just as quickly!
• With growing grocery prices, this ground beef recipe is fairly inexpensive.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Bonus!

Ingredients

Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.

• Coconut Sugar – Similar to brown sugar but slightly more earthy and unrefined.
• Coconut Aminos – Umami flavor, anyone? We love this ingredient for its savory, slightly sweet vibe.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – Adds a deep, nutty, and slightly smoky essence.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For some heat! Be as generous or conservative as you prefer.
• Ground Ginger – For a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil + Butter – We use both to prevent burning.
• Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced garlic cloves are best, but garlic granules work in a pinch.
• Ground Beef – Use either regular or lean ground beef. Our preference is for grass-fed.
• Green Onions – Adds a pop of flavor without overpowering the dish with an onion taste.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife + Cutting Board – This is for mincing the garlic and slicing the green onions.
• Liquid Measuring Cup – Use this to mix the sauce. I like it because it has a pouring spout, but you could also use a bowl.
• Large Skillet or Large Bottomed Pot – This is for browning the beef and cooking it in the sauce.

Instructions

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.

Step 1

First, mix together the sauce. This is what gives the dish its amazing flavor. It’s super easy! Add the sugar, coconut aminos, sesame oil, and ground ginger to the glass jar and mix it well to incorporate.

Step 2

Next, heat the oil and butter in the pan over medium heat. Once it is hot, add the minced garlic and stir it. Saute the garlic, stirring, for one minute to soften.

Step 3

Then, add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is fully browned and cooked through with no pink.

Step 4

Next, pour the sauce mixture over top of the cooked beef and sprinkle on the green onions. Stir everything well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Plate the beef over cooked rice, potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with a few fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Serve warm.

Substitutions

• We use the coconut aminos because we avoid soy, but you could also use soy sauce. Or try this homemade soy-free soy sauce substitute! Teriyaki sauce would also work.
• Use brown sugar or maple syrup instead of coconut sugar.

Recipe Variations

• Try ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter, lower-fat meal.
• Swap the starches like rice and potatoes for crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over top of rice – we prefer brown rice cooked in broth – or noodles. Quinoa is also delicious.
• We love to finish this dish with a drizzle of hot chili oil and a side of hot banana pepper rings. Give me allll the spicy stuff.
• Sneak some veggies into this meal and serve it over roasted butternut squash noodles, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Cauliflower rice is another great low-carb option.
• Popular toppings include chopped green onions, sesame seeds, sliced avocado, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flavor.

FAQS

Storage Tips

To Store: To prevent condensation, let the ground beef and rice cool completely before refrigerating. Cooked ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked sesame beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

To Reheat: Warm the ground beef in a skillet or microwave. If frozen, thaw the beef overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Ground Beef Recipes

If you’ve tried these sesame ground beef bowls, please give me a rating and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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