Mongolian Ground Beef

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly dinner, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe checks every box. Inspired by the popular Mongolian beef dish, this version uses ground beef to deliver the same sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something seriously satisfying with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Affordable Ingredients – Made with pantry staples and ground beef.
Family-Friendly – Sweet and savory flavors that everyone enjoys.
Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for lunches or leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Mixture:

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

For the Mongolian Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Garnish & Serving:

• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Rice cooker or saucepan (for rice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Set aside so it’s ready to go once the beef is browned.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef (and oil if using lean beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned—about 5–7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to the cooked beef.
Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Pour the prepared Mongolian sauce into the skillet with the beef.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot over rice with steamed veggies on the side.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef
Use Lean Beef – Less grease and cleaner flavor without needing to drain too much fat.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – It thickens the sauce and gives it that classic glossy finish.
Customize the Heat – Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Double the Sauce – If you like extra saucy dishes, feel free to increase the sauce ingredients.
Use Fresh Aromatics – Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor far above powdered versions.

Serving Suggestions
Steamed Rice – The classic pairing to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Lettuce Wraps – Spoon into romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Asian Noodles – Serve over lo mein, rice noodles, or soba for a heartier meal.
Vegetable Stir-Fry – Add sautéed peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make it a full one-pan meal.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings – Serve as a protein-rich side with your favorite appetizers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well and is a leaner alternative.
2. Is Mongolian beef traditionally made with ground meat?
   No, it usually features thinly sliced flank steak, but this version is a quick and budget-friendly twist.
3. Can I make it spicy?
   Absolutely! Add chili paste, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes to taste.
4. What’s a good side dish besides rice?
   Try with stir-fried vegetables, roasted bok choy, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
5. Is this gluten-free?
   Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin to make it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Mongolian Ground Beef is the perfect recipe for when you need something quick, delicious, and comforting. With bold Asian-inspired flavors and minimal prep, it’s a dinner that delivers big satisfaction with little effort. Whether you serve it over rice or stuff it into lettuce wraps, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Give it a try and don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos—can’t wait to see how yours turns out!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 670mg

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