3 Ground Beef Meals for Under $15 — Quick, Cheap & Delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean‑to‑fat ratio)
• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 2.5 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• 1/4 tsp Sesame Oil (A little goes a long way)
• 1 tsp White Vinegar (Adds acidity; can substitute rice wine vinegar)
• 2 stalks Green Onions (Thinly sliced; both white and green parts)
• 1/2 White Onion (Diced; optional for extra texture)
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (Prepared according to package; can use jasmine or short‑grain rice)
• 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (For searing the beef)
• 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (Blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder; low‑sodium preferred)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

   In a small bowl whisk together brown sugar, low‑sodium soy sauce, garlic paste, ginger paste, sesame oil, and white vinegar until the sugar dissolves.

   Time: PT2M

2. Prep the Aromatics

   Thinly slice the green onions (both white and green parts) and dice the white onion.

   Time: PT3M

3. Cook the Rice

   Cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions so it’s ready to serve.

   Time: PT10M

4. Sear the Ground Beef

   Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat, add vegetable oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up lightly and let it sit without stirring for about 1 minute to develop a brown crust, then continue to crumble and brown until no pink remains.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

5. Drain Excess Fat

   Once the beef is fully cooked, tilt the pan and use a paper towel to blot off excess grease.

   Time: PT1M

6. Add Aromatics

   Stir in the diced white onion and the white parts of the green onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium

7. Combine Sauce and Beef

   Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef and onions. Stir to coat evenly and let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium

8. Plate the Bowl

   Divide the cooked rice into four bowls, top each with a generous portion of the Korean beef mixture, and garnish with the remaining green onion tops.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

10g

Fiber

2g