Table of Contents: Mongolian Ground Beef
Mongolian Ground Beef
A Flavor-Packed Dinner Ready in Just 20 Minutes!
Imagine tender, juicy ground beef coated in a rich, savory-sweet Mongolian sauce, caramelized to perfection with garlic and ginger. This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in under 20 minutes! Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just craving a quick yet satisfying meal, this dish is your new go-to.
Did you know that Mongolian beef, despite its name, actually originates from Chinese-American cuisine? The dish was popularized in the U.S. and features tender meat in a bold, umami-packed sauce. Our version swaps traditional steak for affordable ground beef, making it even faster to prepare while keeping all the irresistible flavors.
If you love our Easy Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry – Quick & Delicious Dinner Idea!, you’ll adore this recipe—it’s just as easy but with a deeper, more robust taste. Perfect over rice or noodles, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready to whip up the easiest, most flavorful dinner of the week? Let’s get cooking!
What Is Mongolian Ground Beef?
Ever wondered why it’s called Mongolian Ground Beef when it’s not actually from Mongolia? Funny enough, the name comes from American-Chinese cuisine, where “Mongolian” simply implies bold, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Think of it as a quicker, more budget-friendly version of the classic Mongolian beef you’d order at a restaurant—except we’re using ground beef instead of steak!
Some say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dish might just be the golden ticket. With its sticky, caramelized sauce and tender meat, it’s impossible not to fall in love after the first bite. Plus, it’s so easy that even kitchen newbies can master it. So, why not give it a try tonight and see what all the hype is about?
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef
1. Irresistible Flavor in Every Bite
This dish is all about bold, savory-sweet goodness. The sauce—made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—clings to the beef, creating a sticky, caramelized coating that’s downright addictive.
2. Budget-Friendly & Quick
Skip the takeout! This homemade version costs a fraction of restaurant prices and cooks in just 15-20 minutes. Ground beef is cheaper than steak, making this a wallet-friendly dinner option.
3. Versatile & Family-Approved
Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. Kids and adults alike will devour it—no picky eaters here!
If you love our Easy Keto Thai Turkey Stir Fry Recipe – Ready in 20 Minutes!, you’ll appreciate how this recipe delivers similar sticky-sweet flavors with even less effort. Ready to make dinner a breeze? Let’s dive into the recipe!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef

Quick Overview
This dish is fast, flavorful, and foolproof. Brown the beef, whip up the sauce, simmer, and serve—dinner is done in a flash!
Key Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (85/15 for best flavor)
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– 2 green onions, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Aromatics – Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce – Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
4. Finish & Serve – Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
What to Serve With Mongolian Ground Beef
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or buttery noodles for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, try it with stir-fried veggies or crispy lettuce wraps. A side of quick-pickled cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch, while a cold Asian slaw balances the richness.
Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our Cajun Turkey Jambalaya Recipe – Spicy, Flavorful & Easy One-Pot Meal! for another fuss-free meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Mongolian Ground Beef
– Don’t skip the sesame oil—it adds a nutty depth to the sauce.
– Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
– Adjust sweetness/spiciness by tweaking brown sugar or red pepper flakes.
– For extra texture, toss in bell peppers or mushrooms while cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
– Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
People Also Ask: Mongolian Ground Beef

What is Mongolian beef sauce made of?
The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar, creating a sticky, sweet-savory glaze.
Can you use ground beef instead of steak for Mongolian beef?
Absolutely! Ground beef cooks faster and is more budget-friendly while keeping all the bold flavors.
Is Mongolian ground beef spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to taste.
What sides go well with Mongolian ground beef?
Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh Asian slaw are all great choices.
Conclusion
This Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dinner that beats takeout any day. With its sticky-sweet sauce and tender beef, it’s a guaranteed hit for busy weeknights.
Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out! And if you’re craving more easy Asian-inspired meals, don’t miss our Savory Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe – Quick & Easy Dinner Idea! next. Happy cooking!
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Mongolian Ground Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef dish with sweet-savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour sauce over beef and stir well, simmering 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add red pepper flakes if using and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
For extra flavor, add steamed broccoli or snap peas into the dish before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mongolian ground beef, asian beef recipe, quick dinner, beef stir fry