Korean Beef Bowls: A Quick Dinner That Saves My Sanity
AKA: What’s for dinner when I forget to thaw the meat. Again.

Every week I start out with the best intentions. I swear I’m going to plan out our dinners, stay on top of my grocery list, and—this time—remember to thaw the meat in the morning.

And then reality hits. It’s 5:12 p.m. The kids are hungry. I’m staring at a solid block of frozen ground beef and wondering if cereal counts as a protein.

Enter: Korean Beef Bowls.
This is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket because it’s:
✔️ Fast
✔️ Forgiving
✔️ Flavor-packed
✔️ Kid-approved

If you’ve got a pound of ground beef (even if it’s still frozen—more on that below), a few pantry staples, and some leftover rice or greens to throw it over, dinner is basically handled.

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Why I Love This Meal

Honestly? Because my kids eat it without complaint. And occasionally ask for seconds. That alone earns it a spot in my regular rotation. But I also love that it’s naturally gluten-free, soy-free (if you use coconut aminos like I do), and made with real ingredients I feel good about feeding my family.

I highly suggest doubling the recipe to make sure you have enough for everyone to get seconds. It’s that good!

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How to Thaw Ground Beef Quickly

If you’re working with our chub-style ground beef packages, you’re in luck. They thaw way faster than you think. Just drop one into a bowl of lukewarm water and give it about 30 minutes. By the time I’ve emptied the dishwasher, switched the laundry, and swept the kitchen floor—it’s ready to go.

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The Recipe

Widnor Farms Korean Beef Bowls
Makes 4–6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Widnor Farms ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice
• Toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage, or a soft-boiled egg

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and chili flakes (if using).
3. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring to coat.
4. Serve over my bone broth rice and top with whatever you’ve got on hand—green onions, sesame seeds, shredded veggies, or an egg if you’re feeling fancy.

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Meal Prep Tip:

Double the beef and freeze half (sauce and all) for a night when even 15 minutes feels like too much.

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Bonus: How I Make My Rice

This simple swap takes the whole meal up a notch—cook your rice in bone broth instead of water. It adds a rich, savory flavor and a boost of nutrition, especially when you’re using our pasture-raised chicken broth.

Here’s how I do it:

Bone Broth Rice
Makes about 4 cups cooked rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white jasmine or basmati rice
• 2 cups Widnor Farms chicken bone broth (or more, depending on rice type)
• 1 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt (optional as our ranch made broth is unsalted)

Instructions:

1. Rinse your rice well under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, broth, butter, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Make it work for tomorrow, too:
I almost always double this recipe. If I’m already cooking, I might as well make extra for tomorrow’s lunch bowls, fried rice, or to pair with whatever protein I grab from the fridge. It reheats beautifully and saves me time the next day.

Got a favorite spin on this bowl? Maybe you’ve added shredded zucchini or served it over glass noodles? I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Drop a comment below or shoot me a message—especially if it gets your picky eater to ask for seconds. 🙃

Stock Up & Save with Our Ground Beef Boxes

If your family loves meals like this one, it might be time to stock up on ground beef the smart way.

We offer bulk ground beef boxes that help you save money and keep your freezer ready for those last-minute dinner scrambles. Our 12-pound box includes 2 pounds free compared to buying individual packages—plus, you’re getting pasture-raised, dry-aged beef from animals raised right here on our farm.

Click here to check out our Ground Beef Box options and stock your freezer.

Trust me, once you try these beef bowls, you’re going to want a few extra pounds on hand.