Mongolian Ground Beef: The Ultimate Guide to a Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner
This Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick, flavor-packed dinner made with savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Served over warm rice and finished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s an easy weeknight meal that tastes better than takeout—ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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½ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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½ cup green onions, sliced
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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Cooked rice, for serving
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Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Gather all ingredients. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Stir in green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
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Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
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Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
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For more heat, drizzle with sriracha or chili oil.