If you love bold, comforting flavors that come together quickly, you are going to adore this Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe. It combines the savory richness of lean ground beef with a perfectly balanced sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger, creating a dish that’s both sweet and savory with just a touch of heat. What makes this recipe truly stand out is how effortlessly these simple ingredients transform into a mouthwatering meal that feels homemade yet restaurant-quality. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving something satisfying and vibrant, this recipe is a total winner that you will want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together may be easy, but each one plays a crucial role in building the irresistible flavor and texture of this dish. From the tender ground beef to the punchy scallions, every component adds its own layer of deliciousness.
- Lean ground beef: The star protein, providing a rich, meaty base without excess fat.
- Scallions (green parts only): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant splash of green color.
- Brown sugar: Gives the sauce its signature sweet depth that balances the savoriness.
- Water: Helps blend and loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami richness and saltiness without overpowering.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the beef.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds a fragrant, warming zest that uplifts the whole dish.
- Minced garlic: Infuses subtle pungency that complements the beef perfectly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle spicy kick for those who like a hint of heat.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high flame and add the lean ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with your spoon so it crumbles evenly and browns beautifully, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Be sure to spoon out any excess fat as it accumulates to keep the dish from feeling greasy and to concentrate the meaty flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is browning, combine the brown sugar, water, soy sauce, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. This simple sauce blend is what gives the Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe its signature glossy, intense flavor.
Step 3: Combine Scallions and Sauce
Once the beef has browned, toss the scallion pieces into the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and allow it to cook for a few minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken nicely and cling to the beef, creating a luscious, sticky coating that’s truly addictive.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste the dish and if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper, feel free to adjust. This is your chance to perfect the flavor to your liking. Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome, satisfying meal that will delight your whole family.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of additional fresh scallions sprinkled on top adds a bright pop of color and extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef. For a little more texture and flavor, toasted sesame seeds are a fantastic finishing touch that enhances the dish’s Asian-inspired profile.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or simple lo mein noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. If you want to add some veggies, steamed broccoli or snap peas provide a fresh and crisp counterbalance that keeps the meal well-rounded and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Mongolian Ground Beef as a filling for lettuce wraps—crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves make perfect handheld bites that add a fresh crunch. You can also use it as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or even inside soft bao buns for a fusion-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a delightful second-day meal that reheats very well.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the beef in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Stir occasionally to warm it through evenly and keep that sauce luscious and glossy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for this recipe, ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative. Just keep an eye on cooking times since these meats cook more quickly and can dry out if overcooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version. The sauce remains the same and will impart plenty of delicious flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but they’re completely optional. You can adjust the amount or omit them altogether depending on your spice preference. The recipe is versatile for mild to medium heat lovers.
What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?
Try serving the beef over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh, veggie-packed twist. These alternatives help keep the dish light while still letting the sauce shine.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! This Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe scales up nicely. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches, and keep an eye on seasoning adjustments so the flavors remain balanced.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish, this Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those recipes that feels both special and approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again, sharing it proudly with friends and family as a true comfort food favorite.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring lean ground beef cooked in a savory and slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce with scallions. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious take on classic Mongolian flavors served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only), cut into 1″ pieces
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 Beef: Add the lean ground beef to a skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook the beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Spoon out any excess fat as needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, combine the brown sugar, water, low sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to form the sauce.
- Combine Scallions and Sauce: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped green scallion pieces directly into the skillet. Then pour in the prepared sauce over the beef and scallions. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Mongolian ground beef hot over a bed of steamed rice or cooked noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to control sweetness level.
- If you prefer more heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite noodles for best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but sauce may thicken; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.
