Close-up of Mongolian Ground Beef served over steamed white rice in a gray bowl

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This easy Mongolian Ground Beef recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With a sweet and savory Mongolian sauce, budget-friendly ingredients, and family-friendly flavors, it’s one of the best ground beef dinner ideas you’ll keep coming back to.

Vertical photo of Mongolian Ground Beef with green onions over rice in a gray bowl Save
Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Quick and easy: Ready in 20 minutes or less.
  • Budget-friendly: Uses lean ground beef and simple pantry staples.
  • Better than takeout: Sweet, salty, garlicky flavor without leaving home.
  • Meal prep friendly: Stores well for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

What is Mongolian Sauce Made Of?

Mongolian sauce is a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This creates the signature sweet and salty balance with just a touch of heat. Hoisin sauce adds extra depth, and red pepper flakes bring mild spice.

For a healthier twist, use low-sodium soy sauce, swap honey for sugar, or add more ginger for brightness.

Ingredients Needed

Top-down view of raw ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef recipe arranged neatly on a white surface
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-300x300.webp" title="Mongolian Ground Beef
Ingredients Flat Lay" srcset="https://www.cookitslowly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mongolian-Ground-Beef-
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-300x300.webp 300w, https://www.cookitslowly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mongolian-Ground-Beef-
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-150x150.webp 150w, https://www.cookitslowly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mongolian-Ground-Beef-
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-768x768.webp 768w, https://www.cookitslowly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mongolian-Ground-Beef-
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-500x500.webp 500w, https://www.cookitslowly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Mongolian-Ground-Beef-
Ingredients-Flat-Lay.webp 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
Ingredients-Flat-Lay-300x300.webp&url=https://www.cookitslowly.com/mongolian-ground-beef/&description=Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe" style="background-color:#dd0b0b; color:#ffffff; text-decoration:none; display:flex; align-items:center;"> Save

For the Beef

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey)
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1/4 cup water + 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Drizzle of sriracha for heat

Using fresh garlic and ginger makes all the difference in flavor.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef

Step 1 – Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the beef in a skillet with garlic and ginger, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter.

Close-up of ground beef browning in a skillet with garlic and ginger Save

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and red pepper flakes. Keep spice low at first and adjust as desired.

Step 3 – Combine Beef and Sauce

Pour the sauce into the beef and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the Mongolian sauce.

Step 4 – Serve and Garnish

Serve hot over jasmine rice or noodles. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a splash of sriracha.

Square photo of Mongolian Ground Beef with green onions served over rice in a gray bowl Save

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  • Use lean ground beef for a healthier, less greasy dish.
  • Don’t overcook beef keeping it tender makes the sauce shine.
  • Double the sauce and store it for quick Korean ground beef recipes later.
  • Add thin-sliced vegetables like bell peppers for a balanced bowl.

Check the USDA guide on safe cooking temperatures to ensure ground beef is fully cooked.

Close-up of Mongolian Ground Beef served over steamed white rice in a gray bowl Save

Mongolian Ground Beef

c3d7d7224f19b0cdce50ae5835f2a6d2d398cdbe021ce7c506422332655ce1f9?s=30&d=mm&r=g Save
Luna from Cook It Slowly
This quick Mongolian Beef made with ground beef delivers a sweet-salty garlic-ginger sauce in about 20 minutes perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 275 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet Preferably nonstick or cast iron
  • Wooden spoon For breaking up the beef
  • mixing bowl For whisking the sauce
  • measuring cups and spoons For accurate sauce ratios
  • Colander To drain excess fat if needed

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Instructions
 

  • Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, ginger, and garlic. Cook, breaking the meat into fine crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and return the skillet to the stove.
  • In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and red pepper flakes until smooth. In a separate cup, stir together water and cornstarch to make a slurry.
  • Pour the soy mixture over the cooked beef. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, until the Mongolian sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  • Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir in green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles; garnish with sesame seeds or sriracha if desired.

Notes

  • Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free Mongolian sauce.
  • Make the sauce ahead (up to 4 days) and thicken when heating.
  • Adjust spice with red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 27gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1340mgPotassium: 524mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 157IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Easy Asian Recipes, Korean Ground Beef Bowls, Mongolian Beef, Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
  • Roasted or stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snap peas.
  • Asian-inspired sides such as spring rolls or egg drop soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Similar Asian Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well and makes the recipe leaner. Just be sure to season generously for maximum flavor.

How do I make this Mongolian Ground Beef gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 4 days, then pour it over cooked beef when ready.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mild as written, but you can increase the heat with extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.