The Nessy Kitchen

  • Home
  • Browse Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Meal Plan
  • Recipe Index
  • Meals
  • Oat Flour Recipes
  • Snacks
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Meal Plan
  • Recipe Index
  • Meals
  • Oat Flour Recipes
  • Snacks
  • About
×
  • Salmon in a bowl with rice, cucumber, carrots and edamame.
    Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
  • Spoon dishing black beans out of a bowl.
    12+ Delicious Recipes to Make with Black Beans
  • Stack of chocolate chip cookies made with oat flour.
    Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Granola bars on a cutting board.
    33+ Tasty Recipes Using Oats
  • Rice and shrimp on a plate with green peas.
    6+ Healthy Dinner Recipes with Shrimp
  • Teriyaki baked salmon on a plate with rice.
    Honey Teriyaki Baked Salmon
  • Sourdough French toast on a plate with fruit.
    14+ Scrumptious Mother's Day Brunch Ideas
  • Peanut butter cookies on a cooling rack.
    12+ Delicious Ways to Use Natural Peanut Butter
  • Tomato basil chicken and rice on a plate.
    14+ Healthy Dinner Recipes with Chicken
  • Chocolate baked oatmeal in a ramekin with a spoon.
    7+ Chocolate Recipes You Could Totally Have for Breakfast!
  • Plantain chips in a bowl.
    Air Fryer Plantain Chips
  • Sandwich being dipped into a bowl of soup.
    7+ Perfect Sandwiches to Serve with a Bowl of Soup
Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Gyudon-Inspired Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

Last Modified: Jan 15, 2024 by Janessa.

↓ Jump to Recipe

Tender onions and ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, these Japanese-inspired beef and rice bowls are a spin on the flavors of Gyudon. Adapted to use easy to find ingredients and ground beef, these hearty bowls are a simple comfort food.

Jump to:
  • The Ingredients
  • The Method
  • Leftovers and Storage
  • Make it Your Own
  • Serving Ideas
  • And if you liked this recipe...
  • Recipe Card
  • Comments
Bowl of beef and rice with a fried egg over easy on top.

Japan is high on my list of places to visit. Natural scenery, friendly people, beautiful temples and shrines and of course, amazing food all draw my attention!

But one of the beautiful things about the internet now is how you can give yourself a taste of travelling somewhere while you dream about and work towards a possible trip one day.

I love checking out and trying recipes from blogs of different cuisines. And Just One Cookbook has a lot of great Japanese recipes!

A few years ago, we decided to try making Gyudon and it was so good!

But I don't always have sake and mirin on hand, nor is thinly sliced beef the most convenient for me to find.

So I got thinking about whether I could mimic the flavors of these Japanese beef and rice bowls but using ground beef and ingredients that I always have on hand like rice vinegar and honey. (I also use these ingredients for Teriyaki Turkey Bowls).

And while it is not exactly authentic, it is absolutely delicious!

Easily made on a busy night, it is great for a tasty change to your dinner rotation.

The Ingredients

Ingredients for Gyudon- inspired bowls.
  • Yellow Onions
  • Ground Beef- I recommend using lean or extra-lean ground beef so that the final dish isn't too greasy. If using regular ground beef, you may want to drain a bit of the grease off before adding the sauce ingredients.
  • Rice- Short-grain white rice would be what is typically found in a Gyudon bowl but you can use whatever kind of rice you have on hand.
  • Avocado Oil- Another neutral cooking oil can be used.
  • Coconut Aminos- Soy sauce or tamari can also be used. As the salt content can vary, add less salt to the recipe to start and then adjust to taste.
  • Rice Vinegar- Preferably unseasoned rice vinegar for this recipe. If using seasoned, you may want to adjust the honey and salt a bit to taste.
  • Honey- Sugar can be used instead.
  • Fine Sea Salt- Table salt or kosher salt will also work. Depending on how salty your coconut aminos/soy sauce is, you may want to add more or less to taste.

The Method

1. Caramelize onions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil and onions. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and starting to caramelize.

Onions being caramelized in a skillet.

2. Brown beef. Add the ground beef, honey and salt and cook, stirring to crumble until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Ground beef added to the skillet with the onions to brown.

3. Add sauces. Add the coconut aminos, rice vinegar and water and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.

Sauce ingredients added to the skillet and stirred with a wooden spoon.

4. Simmer. While the beef and onion mixture cooks, prepare the rice as per the package directions.

Ground beef and onions cooked in a sauce in a skillet.

5. (Optional) Cook egg. If you would like to serve it with an egg (recommended!), fry an egg sunny-side up while the beef mixture finishes simmering. Alternatively, you could serve it with a poached egg.

Egg being fried in a hot pan.

6. Assemble. Divide the rice between 4 bowls and top each bowl with a quarter of the beef/onion mixture. Top each with an egg, if using. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Bowl of rice topped with ground beef mixture and a sunny-side up egg.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store leftover ground beef gyudon bowls (excluding the eggs) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Only prepare enough eggs for the amount you plan to eat.

To Reheat: Rewarm in the microwave until heated through. Cook fresh eggs for topping.

Bowl of rice topped with beef and an over easy egg.

Make it Your Own

  • Add More Vegetables: Along with the onions, you could chop and sauté additional vegetables. Some tasty options would be:
    • Mushrooms
    • Carrots
    • Spinach
    • Kale
    • Bok Choy

Serving Ideas

  • Garnish with:
    • a Sunny-Side Up Egg
    • Chopped Green Onions
    • Sesame Seeds
    • Pickled Red Ginger
    • Roasted Nuts such as almonds or cashews
  • And enjoy it alongside:
    • Sautéed Spinach and Carrots (this is our go to- we love stirring it right into the bowl!)
    • Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
    • Sautéed Green Beans
    • Simple Green Salad
Spoon taking a bite out of the beef and rice bowl.
What is Gyudon?

Gyudon is a Japanese beef and rice bowl made with thinly sliced beef, onion and a savory-sweet sauce. It is a popular "fast-food" option in Japan which many might associate with the chain "Yoshinoya". For more about the history of it and an authentic recipe version, check out this post by Just One Cookbook.

LET ME PLAN YOUR DINNERS! Join my email list and receive My FREE Meal Plan (Including Grocery List!) as a gift>>>

And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

  • Egg Roll Bowls
  • Ground Beef and Broccoli
  • Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

Recipe Card

Ground beef and rice in a grey bowl topped with a sunny side up egg.

Ground Beef Gyudon

Tender onions and ground beef cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, these Japanese-inspired beef and rice bowls are a spin on the flavors of Gyudon. Adapted to use easy to find ingredients and ground beef, these hearty bowls are a simple and delicious comfort food.
5 from 32 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 595kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoon honey
  • ¼-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 and ½ cups uncooked rice of choice or 4 cups cooked
  • chopped green onions, sesame seeds (optional), for serving
(Prevent your screen from going dark)

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado oil and onions. Cook, stirring often until softened and starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, honey and salt and cook, stirring to crumble until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the coconut aminos, rice vinegar and water and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the rice as per package directions and prepare a skillet for cooking the eggs. When the beef is almost done simmering, cook the eggs sunny-side up or as desired.
  • Assemble the bowls. Divide the rice between 4 bowls and top each bowl with a quarter of the beef/onion mixture. Top each with an egg.
  • Serve. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Only cook enough eggs for the amount you are planning to eat and cook additional eggs fresh for serving on top of the leftovers.
Ingredient Notes
Tamari or soy sauce can be used in place of coconut aminos. As the salt content can vary greatly, start with the lesser amount of salt in the recipe and then add more to taste at the end.

Nutrition

Calories: 595kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 239IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
  • Fall pasta salad in a serving bowl with a spoon.
    Fall Pasta Salad
  • Cilantro lime pasta salad in a serving bowl.
    Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
  • Bowl of pasta salad topped with a pesto dressing.
    Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Pasta with sautéed cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
    Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta
See more 30 Minute Meals →
« Sautéed Carrots and Spinach
Applesauce Oat Flour Muffins »

Comments

    5 from 32 votes (32 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Marie says

    August 14, 2023 at 7:21 pm

    I was so impressed by the flavor in these bowls! I love Gyudon and am thrilled with how this dish recreates the taste at home but with a simple process and even simpler ingredients. I'll be making this again and again.

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 15, 2023 at 11:24 am

      I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Sophie! Thank you for your kind review.

      Reply
Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

More about me →

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Policies and Disclaimer
  • Blogging Resources

More

  • Web Stories
  • Kitchen Tips and Info
  • Buy Dinner: Solved - A Complete 4 Week Meal Plan

Contact

  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Subscribe!

Copyright © 2020-2025 The Nessy Kitchen Inc.

Content shared on The Nessy Kitchen is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or health advice. Before acting on any information presented here, please consult with a qualified health care professional.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let me know what you thought of this recipe:

This recipe worked exactly as written, thanks!
We absolutely loved this!
I'll be making this again and again!
I'm so glad I tried this recipe!

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.