Mongolian Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe checks all the boxes. It’s savory, slightly sweet, packed with umami, and ready in just 25 minutes! Using ground beef instead of the traditional flank steak makes it budget-friendly and extra easy. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – One pan, 25 minutes, and dinner is done.
Budget-Friendly – Uses ground beef instead of more expensive cuts.
Bold Asian Flavors – Sweet, salty, and garlicky with a kick of ginger.
Meal Prep Friendly – Keeps well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or add veggies as you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mongolian Beef Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Ground Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)

For Garnish & Serving:

• Cooked white or jasmine rice
• Extra green onions (green tops)
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk
• Small mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Rice cooker or pot (if making rice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Set aside so the flavors can meld while you cook the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes.
Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the beef.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Pour in the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet with the beef.
Stir well to coat all the meat.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the green tops of the onions.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot over rice or noodles with steamed vegetables on the side.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef
Use Fresh Ginger – Adds zing and depth that dried ginger can’t match.
Don’t Overcrowd – Brown the beef in a single layer for the best texture.
Adjust Sweetness – Reduce sugar to ¼ cup for a less sweet version.
Double the Sauce – Love extra sauce on rice? Make 1.5x the sauce batch.
Add Veggies – Stir in sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach for more nutrition.

Serving Suggestions
Rice Bowls – Classic and satisfying. Add stir-fried bok choy or broccoli.
Lettuce Wraps – Serve in butter lettuce leaves for a lighter meal.
Noodles – Toss with soba, lo mein, or rice noodles for a fun twist.
Asian Slaw – Serve with a crisp slaw for texture and contrast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another protein?
Yes! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

2. Is Mongolian beef supposed to be spicy?
Traditionally it’s mild and sweet, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for more heat.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

4. What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Use ½ tsp ground ginger, but fresh is highly recommended for best flavor.

5. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely. Broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms all pair well.

Final Thoughts
Mongolian Ground Beef is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s a simple twist on a restaurant favorite that’s easy to adapt to your taste and pantry. Make a batch tonight and watch it disappear from the dinner table.

Tried it? Share your results in the comments or tag your photo online—I’d love to see how it turned out!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 750mg

Print