Discover how to make Mongolian Ground Beef, a quick and savory meal perfect for busy weeknights. Try this flavorful recipe today for a satisfying dinner.
Mongolian Ground Beef
If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, Mongolian Ground Beef is an excellent choice. This ground beef recipe takes the classic flavors of Mongolian beef and simplifies them, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a savory, slightly sweet meal. With a blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, the dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
The great thing about this recipe is how versatile it is, pairing wonderfully with steamed rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Plus, it’s ready in just about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic choice for an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is both flavorful and fuss-free. The sauce is beautifully balanced, offering just the right touch of sweetness and heat. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and it’s a great way to transform ground beef into something special. It’s also kid-friendly and freezes well, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef – lean or regular, based on your preference.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for browning the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds strong flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – use low sodium to control saltiness.
- 1/4 cup water – helps balance the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar – packed to add sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional, for a spicy kick.
- 3 green onions, sliced – for garnish and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) mixed with 2 tablespoons water – to thicken the sauce if desired.
- Cooked rice – white, brown, or cauliflower rice for serving.
Substitutions: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter protein option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef; stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour this sauce mixture over the beef, stirring well to combine, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the skillet. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot over your choice of rice.
For more quick dinner ideas, check out Easy Weeknight Dinners and enhance your meal planning. To explore other tasty ground beef recipes, see Ground Beef Recipes. For trusted cooking tips and techniques, visit Food Network.
Expert Tips
Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly for deeper flavor. Don’t skip the fresh garlic and ginger; they’re essential for authenticity. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha. This recipe scales well—double it for meal prepping. Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Storage
Store leftover Mongolian Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
- For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make a vegan version by using crumbled tofu or tempeh and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust sweetness by replacing brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for refined sugar-free.
FAQ
- What is Mongolian Ground Beef?
- Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick, flavorful twist on traditional Mongolian beef, using ground beef instead of sliced meat for ease and speed.
- Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef spicy?
- Yes! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste to suit your heat preference.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- The recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- How do I store leftover Mongolian Ground Beef?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Can I prepare Mongolian Ground Beef ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
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