Looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is the perfect solution! Inspired by Mongolian Beef, this dish uses ground beef instead of flank steak, making it more affordable and just as flavorful.
Coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky Mongolian sauce, this beef is best served over steamed rice or noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick dinner idea, this simple yet bold-flavored recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes!
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses ground beef instead of steak, saving money without sacrificing flavor.
✔️ Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami goodness.
✔️ Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or serve with different grains!
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams for Accuracy)
For the Mongolian Ground Beef:
- Ground beef – 500g (1 lb)
- Garlic, minced – 10g (2 cloves)
- Ginger, minced – 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Soy sauce (low sodium) – 80ml (⅓ cup)
- Brown sugar – 50g (¼ cup)
- Hoisin sauce – 30g (2 tablespoons)
- Cornstarch – 10g (1 tablespoon)
- Water – 60ml (¼ cup)
- Sesame oil – 10ml (2 teaspoons)
- Green onions, chopped – 50g (¼ cup)
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – 2g (½ teaspoon)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish) – 5g (1 teaspoon)
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice – 500g (2 cups cooked)
- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
1️⃣ Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
2️⃣ Drain any excess grease from the pan.
2. Make the Mongolian Sauce
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth.
3. Combine & Simmer
1️⃣ Add the garlic and ginger to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2️⃣ Pour in the prepared Mongolian sauce and stir well.
3️⃣ Let the beef simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
4️⃣ Stir in the chopped green onions and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣ Spoon the Mongolian ground beef over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
2️⃣ Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
3️⃣ Serve with stir-fried or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 18g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Pro Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef
🔥 Use Lean Ground Beef – 85/15 or leaner works best to avoid excessive grease.
🥩 Want It Extra Saucy? – Double the sauce ingredients for a richer, more flavorful dish.
🌶️ Spicy Version – Add sriracha, chili paste, or more red pepper flakes for heat.
🍚 Serving Options – Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Fun Variations to Try
🥦 Mongolian Beef & Broccoli – Add steamed broccoli florets to the dish for a nutritious twist.
🍜 Mongolian Beef Noodles – Toss the beef with cooked ramen or lo mein noodles for a slurp-worthy meal.
🥢 Lettuce Wraps – Spoon the Mongolian beef into butter lettuce cups for a light, low-carb alternative.
🌿 Vegetarian Option – Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat instead of beef.
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