Description
Fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is your answer to a quick weeknight dinner with bold takeout-style flavor. Inspired by classic Mongolian beef but made with budget-friendly ground beef, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness—ready in just 20 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a meal everyone will love.
Want more easy Asian-inspired dinners like this? Subscribe now and get fresh, delicious recipes delivered to your inbox!
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 tbsp vegetable oil (if beef is very lean)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra richness)
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ cup water
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Cooked white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles (for serving)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin (if using), cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil if using, then ground beef.
Break the beef into small crumbles and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef evenly.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the green parts of the green onions and red pepper flakes if using.
Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
Use Lean Beef – Less grease means better sauce consistency
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – It thickens the sauce to the perfect texture
Add Veggies – Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition
Make It Spicy – Add sriracha, more red pepper flakes, or chili paste
Double the Sauce – If serving with lots of rice or noodles, increase the sauce ingredients
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion