Mongolian Ground Beef is a flavorful and easy dish made with ground beef, a sweet and savory sauce, and fresh scallions. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal.
Why We Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
One of the reasons this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe has garnered so many fans is its incredible flavor profile. With a perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and a punch of umami from the low-sodium soy sauce, each bite is a treat to your palate. The fresh scallions add a touch of brightness, bringing the dish to life with their crisp texture.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also quick to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can have a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family or guests. Plus, using lean ground beef ensures that you’re serving up a dish that is both tasty and relatively healthy. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and packed with essential nutrients, making it an all-around winner for dinner.
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef
To prepare this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 small bunch of scallions (green parts only) cut into 1″ pieces
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both rich in flavor and comforting to eat. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can easily find them at your local grocery store, allowing you to make this delightful dish whenever a craving strikes.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef
Making Mongolian Ground Beef is a straightforward process that allows you to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s how to prepare this delectable dish:
Brown the Beef: Start by adding the pound of lean ground beef to a skillet set over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, use a spoon to break it apart, ensuring it browns evenly. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remember to spoon out any excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean and healthy.
Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, water, low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
Add Scallions and Sauce: Once the beef is browned and cooked through, add the chopped scallions to the skillet. Next, pour the sauce mixture over the beef and scallions. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for another couple of minutes. You will notice the sauce starting to thicken thanks to the cornstarch. If you want extra flavor, taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, you can take the skillet off the heat.
It’s that simple! In less than half an hour, you’ve created a robust, flavorful dish that will surely become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef
Now that your Mongolian Ground Beef is ready, it’s time to consider how best to serve it. This dish is incredibly versatile, and the way you serve it can elevate the meal even more:
- Serve Over Rice: A classic pairing is serving the Mongolian Ground Beef over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, offering a satisfying base for the beef.
- With Noodles: Alternatively, you can serve it over cooked noodles, such as udon or chow mein. The noodles provide a delightful chewiness, complementing the tender beef beautifully.
- Toppings: To add an extra layer of flavor, consider topping your dish with toasted sesame seeds, additional sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Pickled Vegetables: For a refreshing contrast, serve a side of pickled vegetables. Their acidity and crunch will balance the richness of the beef, creating a well-rounded meal.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends while taking the Mongolian Ground Beef to the next level.
Expert Tips: Mongolian Ground Beef
Elevate your Mongolian Ground Beef even further with these expert tips:
- Quality Beef: Use high-quality lean ground beef for the best flavor. You can choose grass-fed beef for added taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance that suits your palate.
- Vegetable Additions: Don’t hesitate to throw in some additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas, for added color and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly before adding the beef for a nice crunch.
- Make Ahead: If you want to save time during the week, consider preparing the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and simply add it to the cooked beef when you’re ready to serve.
- Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten the dish up and add a fresh flavor.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be repurposed into a wrap or served as a filling for a lettuce cup – a great way to enjoy them in a new way.
Following these tips will ensure that your Mongolian Ground Beef is not just good but exceptional.
How to Store Mongolian Ground Beef
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Mongolian Ground Beef, you’ll be glad to know that it stores quite well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- In the Fridge: Once cooled, transfer your Mongolian Ground Beef to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat again, just reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make sure to label your containers with the date to keep track of storage times. Proper storing ensures you can savor the deliciousness of Mongolian Ground Beef later!
Variations of Mongolian Ground Beef
While the classic recipe is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways you can vary it to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: If you love some heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced fresh chili peppers when you cook the beef.
- Healthy Substitutions: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will still be delectable with the sauce!
- Vegetarian Option: Consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives, such as lentils or a meat substitute. Just prepare it the same way and enjoy a vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Stir-fry Style: Make it into a stir-fry by adding a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles.
These variations can keep your meal planning exciting while allowing you to explore different flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolian Ground Beef
What is Mongolian Ground Beef?
Mongolian Ground Beef is a savory dish made with lean ground beef, scallions, and a flavorful sauce consisting of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. It’s quick to prepare and delicious to serve over rice or noodles.
Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mongolian Ground Beef?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version using plant-based ground meat or lentils. Just follow the same instructions and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian meal.
How can I adjust the sweetness in Mongolian Ground Beef?
If you prefer a less sweet flavor, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in the dish. Taste as you go until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
What can I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef?
This dish pairs excellently with rice or noodles. You can top it with garnishes like sesame seeds or additional scallions, and serve it alongside pickled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Mongolian Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Use high-quality lean ground beef for best flavor.
- 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only), cut into 1" pieces Add a touch of brightness to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce Opt for low-sodium version for a healthier dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger Adds a nice zing to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the umami flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Add for a spicy kick.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, for about 8-10 minutes.
- Spoon out any excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, water, soy sauce, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Add scallions to the skillet with the browned beef.
- Pour the sauce mixture over beef and scallions, stirring to combine.
Thickening the Sauce
- Cook for an additional couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Once thickened, remove from heat and serve.