Mongolian Ground Beef

Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is a quick and satisfying twist on the takeout classic. It features juicy ground beef coated in a sticky garlic-ginger soy sauce, served over rice or noodles for a delicious weeknight meal in under 30 minutes. No deep frying, no fuss—just bold taste and pure comfort in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients.
Takeout Flavor at Home – All the bold, sweet-savory sauce you love.
Budget-Friendly – Ground beef makes it affordable and filling.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Family Favorite – Mild, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 3 green onions, chopped (separate whites and greens)

For the Mongolian Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• ½ cup water

Optional Toppings & Sides:

• Sesame seeds
• Steamed rice or noodles
• Stir-fried veggies or steamed broccoli
• Lettuce cups for a low-carb version

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes).
Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and the white parts of the green onions to the beef.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch slurry.
Pour the sauce over the beef mixture.

Step 4: Simmer to Thicken
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the beef.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Stir in the green tops of the green onions.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease means a cleaner sauce.
Simmer the Sauce – Allows flavors to develop and thicken nicely.
Add Veggies – Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Control the Heat – Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Double the Sauce – If serving over noodles or rice, more sauce makes it extra satisfying.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Jasmine Rice – The classic base that soaks up all that tasty sauce.
Rice Noodles or Lo Mein – A great way to turn it into a hearty noodle bowl.
Lettuce Wraps – Fresh and low-carb alternative.
Asian Slaw – A crunchy, refreshing side to balance the rich sauce.
Fried Rice – Mix the beef right in for a bold-flavored twist.

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 in the fridge.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely. Both are great lean alternatives to ground beef.

2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Is it very sweet?
It has a sweet-savory balance. Reduce brown sugar by a tablespoon or two for a less sweet version.

4. Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and is perfect for rice bowls, wraps, or noodle prep.

5. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can omit it or add a touch more brown sugar and a bit of garlic or five-spice powder.

Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is your weeknight dinner solution—fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re serving it over rice or loading it into lettuce wraps, this dish is sure to find a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

Try it out this week and share your version online—I’d love to see how you serve your Mongolian-style masterpiece!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Sodium: 700mg

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