These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are quick, tasty, and perfect for busy nights! Made with ground beef and coated in a delicious sweet and savory sauce, they are a hit with everyone.
Honestly, who doesn’t love meatballs? I can’t resist pairing them with rice or noodles for a complete meal. They’re so easy to whip up in just 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. Just be cautious not to overcook them, as lean meats can dry out easily.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, try using ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I often blend dried herbs into my breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost!
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor. Chives can be a good substitute if you don’t have green onions on hand. I also love adding finely chopped bell peppers for color and sweetness.
Soy Sauce: It’s key for umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari (for gluten-free) are great alternatives. I often mix in a splash of rice vinegar to brighten the sauce.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting meatballs just right can be tricky, but it’s all about the cooking method. Baking helps the meatballs stay juicy and allows even browning. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven properly to 400°F.
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape uniform meatballs. Keep them about 1 inch for even cooking.
- Place them an inch apart on parchment paper; this helps them cook without sticking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. You can check doneness by cutting one open—it should be no longer pink in the center.
Trust your instincts here; take a look halfway through cooking to see if they’re browning nicely! If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer should read 160°F for beef.
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (white or jasmine)
- Steamed broccolini or broccoli
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Additional sliced green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes mixing and shaping the meatballs and about 15-20 minutes baking them. In the meantime, you can whip up a simple sauce and prepare your rice and veggies. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for the meatballs when they are prepared.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, green onions, egg, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until it’s fully combined. It should feel slightly sticky but well mixed!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to give them a little space so they cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are browned and cooked through. Just be careful not to overcook them!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, grab a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved into the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, add in the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and stir well. Keep cooking the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, until it thickens up nicely. After that, remove it from the heat and set aside.
7. Toss the Meatballs in Sauce:
Once your meatballs are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven. In a large bowl, toss them in the thickened sauce until each meatball is well coated and ready to serve!
8. Serving Time:
To serve, place the Mongolian beef meatballs over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to add your steamed broccolini or broccoli on the side for a fresh touch!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and some extra sliced green onions on top for a lovely garnish. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great alternative for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it has less fat than beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon of oil to the mixture for moisture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey can work too, but adjust the liquid slightly to avoid a runny sauce.
