Mongolian Ground Beef

This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. It combines savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes with perfectly browned ground beef for a meal that tastes like takeout—without the wait. Serve it over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions for a fast favorite the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients and ground beef.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy prep and cleanup with minimal dishes.
Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Big Flavor – Sweet, salty, garlicky sauce with just the right kick.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Mongolian Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 3–4 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed white rice, brown rice, or cooked noodles
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional, for added veggies)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Whisk and mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Drain excess grease if needed, then return beef to the pan.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and vinegar.
2. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet.

Step 4: Simmer & Thicken

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. The sauce will thicken and coat the beef in a rich, glossy glaze.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions.
2. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
3. Garnish with remaining green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef
Use Lean Ground Beef – 90/10 is ideal for less grease but full flavor.
Adjust the Sweetness – Add more or less brown sugar to taste.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – It helps thicken the sauce to restaurant-style consistency.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make extra and store for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Add Veggies – Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
With Jasmine or Basmati Rice – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Over Noodles – Rice noodles, ramen, or lo mein work great.
In Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb option with crisp lettuce cups.
With Stir-Fried Veggies – Balance the bold flavors with something green.
Topped with a Fried Egg – For an extra protein boost and richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are leaner options that work just as well.

2. Is it very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness. For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and check your hoisin sauce for gluten-free labeling.

4. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can skip it or substitute with a mix of extra soy sauce and a touch of molasses or peanut butter for similar depth.

5. How spicy is it?
Mild with optional heat. Increase red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef is a deliciously simple recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With its sweet-savory sauce, tender beef, and quick cook time, it’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you’re craving Asian-inspired comfort food. Make it once and it just might become a staple in your kitchen.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 690mg

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