Description
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.
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Ingredients
For the Mongolian Beef Sauce:
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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¼ cup water
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1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For the Ground Beef:
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1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
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1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
For Garnish & Serving:
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Cooked white or jasmine rice
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Extra green onions (green tops)
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Toasted sesame seeds
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Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-American