Mongolian Ground Beef

This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich, savory-sweet flavor profile, it’s sure to impress your family and friends alike. This easy-to-make meal can be served over rice or noodles, making it versatile for any occasion. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Using lean ground beef helps keep costs down while still delivering on flavor.
• Savory-Sweet Sauce: The balance of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the dish beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fun twist!
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough to please both kids and adults, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows you to brown your ground beef perfectly.
• Whisk: This tool helps you blend the sauce ingredients smoothly, avoiding lumps in your sauce.
• Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping scallions and other ingredients.

Ingredients

This Mongolian ground beef recipe is a super easy and budget-friendly take on Mongolian beef! It has a savory and sweet sauce that will make you want to lick the bowl.

For the Beef

• 1 pound lean ground beef

For the Sauce

• 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only) (cut into 1 pieces)
• 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)

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks (about 8-10 minutes). Spoon out excess fat as needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Meanwhile, add the sauce ingredients — brown sugar, water, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes — to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped scallions to the skillet with the cooked beef. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens up.

Step 4: Season & Serve

If needed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy!

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef

Mongolian ground beef is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Serve your Mongolian ground beef over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice will soak up the savory sauce and complement the dish perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, spoon the beef mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fresh and crunchy way to enjoy the flavors of Mongolian beef.

With Noodles

• Toss the ground beef with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon, for a satisfying noodle dish. Add some vegetables for extra color and nutrition.

As a Filling for Tacos

• Use Mongolian ground beef as a filling in soft or hard taco shells. Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese for an exciting twist.

Served with Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair the dish with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for added crunch and nutrients. This creates a colorful plate that’s both tasty and healthy.

On a Bed of Quinoa

• For a protein-packed meal, serve the Mongolian ground beef over quinoa. This ancient grain adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish nicely.

How to Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef

To elevate your Mongolian ground beef to restaurant-quality, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make all the difference in flavor. They add brightness that enhances the overall taste of your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can modify the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. Start with less and add more if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Control Spice Levels: If you enjoy heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjusting spice levels allows you to customize it to your taste.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let your dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps flavors meld together even better.
• Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of sesame seeds or extra chopped scallions right before serving can enhance both appearance and flavor.
• Pair with Accompaniments: Consider offering pickled vegetables or spicy kimchi on the side to balance out the richness of the beef.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Ground Beef

To round out your meal featuring Mongolian ground beef, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

1. Steamed Broccoli: This simple yet nutritious side adds color and crunch while balancing out the savory flavors.
2. Fried Rice: A classic option that works wonderfully; add peas and carrots for extra texture.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar helps cleanse the palate.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts provide a lovely contrast to the softness of the beef.
5. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; its buttery flavor pairs beautifully.
6. Egg Rolls: Crunchy egg rolls filled with veggies offer another layer of texture and flavor alongside your main dish.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as an excellent starter that complements Asian-inspired meals.
8. Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds an elegant touch while being quick to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mongolian ground beef, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong cut of beef: Lean ground beef is best for this recipe. Avoid fatty cuts as they can make the dish greasy.
• Overcooking the sauce: It’s important to cook the sauce just until it thickens. Cooking it too long can change the flavor and texture.
• Skipping ingredient prep: Not measuring or prepping ingredients beforehand can lead to confusion when cooking. Always have everything ready to go.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning, especially with salt and pepper, before serving.
• Serving without sides: This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Don’t skip these sides for a complete meal!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Mongolian ground beef in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Mongolian Ground Beef

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Mongolian Ground Beef

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power in short intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mongolian Ground Beef?

Mongolian ground beef is a savory and sweet dish made with lean ground beef cooked in a flavorful sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.

How can I customize my Mongolian Ground Beef?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes.

Can I use another protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a different flavor profile while keeping it just as delicious.

Is Mongolian Ground Beef gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Always check labels on all ingredients used.

What should I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef?

This dish is typically served over rice or noodles. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.

Conclusion

This Mongolian ground beef recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that appeals to many palates. It’s versatile, allowing room for customization based on your preferences. Try it out and enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal any night of the week!