There’s something truly satisfying about whipping up a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and comforting all in one. This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly—it’s got that rich, savory sauce with a touch of sweetness and a quick fix ground beef base. It’s one of those dishes I reach for when I want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

A close-up of cooked ground meat mixed with several pieces of bright green, chopped stalks of green onion, all coated in a shiny brown sauce. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish, adding small white spots throughout. A wooden spoon with a slit in the middle is scooping some of the meat and green onion pieces. The background shows the glossy meat mixture in a pan on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this one because it’s a great way to get that bold Mongolian flavor with a fraction of the effort and fuss. Using ground beef instead of sliced meat makes it budget-friendly and quick to cook, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Speedy prep: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a weeknight winner for sure.
Simple ingredients: Pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger transform into a mouthwatering sauce.
Versatile: You can easily swap in what you have on hand or adjust the heat to your liking.
Family-friendly: My kids adore it, and I love how everyone’s happy at the dinner table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together to balance savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes—the hallmark of a great Mongolian stir fry. It’s important to use fresh ginger and garlic to brighten the flavor, and the hoisin sauce adds that subtly sweet depth you just can’t skip.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small mound of grated ginger on a white plate, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs beside a small heap of minced garlic cloves, a neat bundle of vibrant green onions sliced into one-inch pieces on a white dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark soy sauce, another small white bowl holding clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl with golden maple syrup, a white bowl containing rich hoisin sauce with a glossy surface, a tiny white bowl of toasted sesame oil with a light amber hue, a small white bowl with bright red sriracha, a white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, a simple white ceramic plate with a neat mound of white steamed rice, a small white bowl sprinkled with light tan sesame seeds, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and proportionately, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Lean beef cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce wonderfully without getting greasy.
Ginger: Fresh grated ginger gives this dish its signature zing and warmth.
Garlic: Minced or grated, garlic adds punch and complexity.
Green onions: They bring freshness and a mild bite that complements the rich sauce.
Soy sauce (or tamari): A salty umami base, tamari works great if you need gluten-free.
Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
Maple syrup or honey: Balances the savory with a gentle sweetness—feel free to pick whichever you prefer.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a thick, sweet, and savory complexity that’s key here.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a splash packs aromatic depth, but a little goes a long way.
Sriracha: Adds subtle heat and smoky undertones—you can dial it back or up based on your spice tolerance.
Water or beef broth: Used to thin the sauce so it coats the beef perfectly without being too heavy.
Cornstarch: Creates a glossy, thickened sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Sesame seeds: For garnish, they add a delightful crunch and a toasty finish.
Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce—plus it makes for a filling meal.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic sauce combo here, this recipe is a fantastic blank canvas. I often tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—it’s easy to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color—just toss them in when you add the green onions.
Spice level: Want it hotter? A few extra dashes of sriracha or even some chili flakes really turn up the heat.
Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken work well too if you want a leaner option.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use tamari to keep it gluten-free.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a bottom layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a thick layer of dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with a glossy sauce. Scattered on top are several bright green chopped spring onion pieces and small white sesame seeds. Wooden chopsticks rest on the bowl’s edge, crossing over the rice and meat. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth partially visible to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk together the sauce

I start by mixing the grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, hoisin sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, water, and cornstarch in a bowl. This lets the flavors blend and creates that beautiful silky sauce you’ll pour over the beef. Pro tip: whisking the cornstarch in with the liquid ensures it doesn’t clump later.

Step 2: Cook the ground beef

Heat a lightly oiled skillet on medium-high and crumble in the ground beef. Season with just a pinch of salt and pepper—you don’t want to over salt because the sauce has soy sauce. Cook it until nicely browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Breaking it up into small bits keeps it from clumping and helps it absorb the sauce better.

Step 3: Add green onions and sauce

Once the beef is browned, stir in the sliced green onions—they add a wonderful pop of flavor and color. Then, pour in your homemade sauce and stir everything together. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is glossy and fully coated.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra scallions if you like, then serve it up hot over rice. Trust me, you’ll want to mop up every last bit of that sauce!

Top Tip

Through making this recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few simple tweaks that really elevate the dish and make it foolproof. These tips have saved me from overcooked meat or a watery sauce more than once.

Don’t overcook the beef: Pull it off the heat as soon as there’s no pink to keep it juicy and tender.
Whisk your sauce well: Cornstarch loves to clump, so mixing it thoroughly before adding to the pan avoids lumps and gives you that perfect silky finish.
Use a hot skillet: It helps brown the beef quickly, locking in flavor and texture.
Adjust sweetness and spice after cooking: Taste the sauce once thickened and tweak with a little extra maple syrup or sriracha if you want more depth.

How to Serve Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Mongolian ground beef - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and some freshly sliced green onions to brighten things up. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes for heat or a handful of chopped cilantro can spice it up and add a fresh twist.

Side Dishes

Rice is the classic companion here—white jasmine or brown rice both work beautifully. If you want to keep it low-carb, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice paired with a light cucumber salad complements the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I like to serve this Mongolian ground beef stir fry spooned into crispy wonton cups or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh handheld appetizer. It’s always a hit and makes the meal feel a little extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I pop leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats nicely, making for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too! I portion it into freezer-safe containers so I can thaw a single serving or the whole batch. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep the beef tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other ground meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check your hoisin sauce label as some brands contain gluten.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stir fry ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving. The sauce might thicken, so add a little water or broth when reheating if needed.

What can I serve with this Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe?

It pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it over noodles or with steamed vegetables for a low-carb option. Lettuce wraps also add a fresh and fun twist!

Final Thoughts

Coming back to this Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Stir Fry Recipe always feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but packed with so much flavor you’d swear it took hours to prepare. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—sometimes the best meals are those made with ease and a little bit of love.