If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together quickly, this Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is going to become your new weeknight favorite. It pairs the rich savoriness of lean ground beef with a spectacularly simple sauce that’s sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy, thanks to brown sugar, soy sauce, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. The tender scallions add a fresh snap, creating a balanced, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is fuss-free. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less exciting in your busy dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but don’t underestimate their power to build layers of classic Mongolian flavor. Each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes that make this recipe shine.
- Lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Scallions, green parts only (1 small bunch, cut into 1″ pieces): Add a crisp, fresh bite and a beautiful pop of color at the end.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Sweetens the dish and caramelizes with the soy sauce for that signature sticky texture.
- Water (1/3 cup): Helps create the sauce consistency that coats the beef perfectly.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): Brings deep umami flavor without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce nicely for a luscious finish.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a gentle warmth and slight zest that brightens the beef’s flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with essential savory depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle kick to keep each bite exciting.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding your lean ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it sizzles for about 8 to 10 minutes. This process not only browns the beef to develop rich flavor but also ensures it cooks evenly. As the beef releases fat, don’t forget to spoon out any excess to keep the final dish from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
While your beef is cooking, combine the brown sugar, water, soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk them together until smooth. This simple mixture is the secret behind the dish’s irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that define the Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe’s charm.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Once the beef is browned and drained, add the sliced scallions directly into the skillet. Pour your prepared sauce over the mixture and stir everything together. Allow it to cook for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and scallions, creating that perfect sticky glaze you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your creation and adjust as needed with salt and pepper. Now your Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is ready to be enjoyed hot, ideally served over a fluffy bed of rice or alongside your favorite noodles to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish beautifully. Think a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch or extra chopped scallions to amp up the fresh herbal notes. If you like a touch more heat, a few slices of red chili or a drizzle of chili oil adds a gorgeous, fiery dimension.
Side Dishes
This Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe shines when paired with simple, understated sides. Steamed jasmine rice or classic white rice will soak up all the flavors without competing. Alternatively, garlic noodles or sautéed bok choy offer a delightful textural balance and complement the sweet-savory profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, use the cooked Mongolian Ground Beef as a filling inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb twist. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or even drizzled over crispy roasted vegetables for a bold flavor boost. The recipe’s versatility lets you get creative with presentation every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it tasting fresh each time you reheat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After cooking and cooling, transfer the beef and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months, making it an excellent option for meal prepping your busy weeks ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Warm the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until steaming hot. If the sauce has thickened too much in storage, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it back up for that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe traditionally uses lean ground beef for its flavor and texture, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork depending on your preference. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes, but they are optional and used in a small amount, so the dish is only mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste by adding more or omitting the flakes altogether.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Besides rice, noodles work wonderfully—especially egg noodles or ramen. If you want a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles are excellent alternatives that still soak up the sauce well.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just whisk it again before adding to the cooked beef to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the low sodium soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as tasty as it is straightforward, this Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is a fantastic choice. Quick to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for endless meal options, it’s ready to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy sharing this flavorful favorite with your family and friends!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring lean ground beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only), cut into 1″ pieces
Sauce
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Spoon out any excess fat during cooking to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the beef cooks, combine the brown sugar, water, low sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Whisk well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Scallions and Sauce: Stir the cut scallions into the skillet with the browned beef. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and scallions. Continue to cook over medium-high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and scallions evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, opt for low sodium soy sauce as specified.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or your choice of noodles.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
