Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
There’s something irresistible about a dish that combines savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that packs a punch in flavor but is simple enough to whip up on a busy evening, Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is the answer. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and features juicy ground beef enveloped in a rich, glossy sauce. It’s perfect over rice or noodles, making it a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customize the heat level to suit your taste with red pepper flakes.
- Minimal ingredients that you likely have on hand.
- A delicious way to spice up your weeknight dinner rotation.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
The Ingredient Lineup
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
Before You Start: Equipment
- Skillet or wok: A large skillet works perfectly for this recipe.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the beef and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe — Do This Next
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
Step 5: Add Green Onions
Add the green onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to soften them slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Mongolian ground beef over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Seasonal Spins
- Spring: Add snap peas or asparagus for a fresh crunch.
- Summer: Toss in bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful twist.
- Fall: Incorporate roasted sweet potatoes for a warm, hearty meal.
- Winter: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added nutrition.
Little Things that Matter
The key to this dish is balancing the savory and sweet elements. Make sure to taste the sauce before serving, adjusting the sweetness or saltiness as necessary. Additionally, using lean ground beef will help keep the dish light without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with textured vegetable protein or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can make a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my sauce isn’t thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening, make sure the heat is high enough to activate the cornstarch. You can also mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
How do I serve Mongolian ground beef?
This dish is best served over steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
Because You Liked This
In Closing
The Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of Asian cuisine to your home with minimal effort. With its balance of flavors and quick preparation time, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite. Happy cooking!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, push it to one side of the skillet. In the cleared space, add the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
- Add the green onions to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute to soften them slightly. Remove from heat.
- Serve the Mongolian ground beef over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, use textured vegetable protein or plant-based ground meat.
