Mongolian Ground Beef is the ultimate 20-minute dinner with tender beef, green onions, and a sweet, savory stir-fry sauce that’s slightly spicy and satisfying.
Mongolian Ground Beef
Typically, Mongolian beef is made with thin steak slices, but I wanted those same amazing flavors in a quicker, weeknight-friendly version. So, I swapped the steak for ground beef, simplified the sauce, and dinner’s on the table in 20 minutes.
It’s loaded with sweet and savory flavors and is seriously so satisfying. This version leans on the sweeter side (my kids love it), but you can easily crank up the heat if you’d like! And if you love this one, you have to try some of my other healthy, straightforward ground beef recipes!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip or Swap |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Lean ground beef like 93/7 works great and prevents excess grease. Ground turkey can also be used. |
| Sesame Oil | Use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor. A little goes a long way. |
| Garlic and Ginger | Paste or frozen ginger/garlic cubes make prep quick and straightforward. |
| Green Onions | The white parts cook with the beef while the green tops add fresh flavor at the end. |
| Hoisin Sauce | Adds sweet, savory depth to the sauce. A quality brand makes a big difference. |
| Soy Sauce | Use regular soy sauce for the best balance of salt and flavor. |
Mongolian Ground Beef Tips
- Heat the Pan: Wait until the pan is hot before adding the meat to brown it properly instead of steaming.
- Don’t Rush Browning: Let the beef sit undisturbed for a few minutes to brown before breaking it up. Breaking it too soon releases moisture, causing it to steam.
- Lower Heat for Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly before adding onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Be Prepared: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready—this dish cooks fast!
skippable Additions
Here are a few skippable additions It is satisfying to for Mongolian Ground Beef:
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on top for extra flavor and the reliable finishing touch.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Start small and increase for your preferred spice level.
- Boiled Rice: Quick and straightforward—boil rice like pasta for 10 minutes for reliable results every time! Otherwise, bake a big batch to use as meal prep for the week.
Storage
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef?
- Refrigerate: Cool and store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
More Ground Beef Recipes:
Dinner
Ground Beef Ramen
Dinner
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Dinner
Beef Larb
Dinner
Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
