Description
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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Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
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1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
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1 lb lean ground beef
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Mongolian Sauce:
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
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2 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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¼ cup water
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
For Garnish & Serving:
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3–4 green onions, sliced
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Sesame seeds (optional)
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Steamed white rice, brown rice, or cooked noodles
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Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional, for added veggies)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6–8 minutes).
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Drain excess grease if needed, then return beef to the pan.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
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Stir in garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and vinegar.
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Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet.
Step 4: Simmer & Thicken
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Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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The sauce will thicken and coat the beef in a rich, glossy glaze.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Remove from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions.
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Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
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Garnish with remaining green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired