These Mongolian Beef Meatballs are quick and tasty! Made with ground beef and a savory sauce, they pack a flavor punch in just 30 minutes.
What’s not to love about meatballs? They’re fun to eat and perfect for dinner or a snack. I like to serve them over rice for a simple meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef, which provides a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work great as alternatives.
Green Onions: These add a fresh taste. If you don’t have them, regular onions will work, but use less since they’re stronger. Chives can also be a nice substitute.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is key for umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, choose tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is another choice for those watching their salt intake.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will slightly differ. Coconut sugar is a great healthier option too.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Are Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep your meatballs juicy, don’t overmix the meat mixture. Combine the ingredients just until blended. The egg and breadcrumbs help hold moisture, so they’re essential. When shaping your meatballs, make sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get a nice brown crust.
- Shape the meatballs gently, avoiding compacting the mixture too much.
- Bake until they’re browned and cooked through, usually 15-20 minutes.
How to Make 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the meatballs and sauce, and the meatballs will need another 15-20 minutes to bake in the oven. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make it easier to clean up after baking those delicious meatballs!
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, egg, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well blended. Now, shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the baking sheet you prepared earlier.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are cooked through and nicely browned. Yum!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir this mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. It should smell amazing!
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, gently transfer them into the saucepan with the sauce. Give them a quick cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re all nicely coated and flavorful.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! On a plate, place some cooked rice and top it with the meatballs and sauce. Add some steamed broccoli on the side for a healthy touch. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and extra green onions on top for garnish!
Enjoy your delicious 30-minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly to enhance the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you need a soy sauce substitute, try using tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both will provide a similar umami flavor, but coconut aminos is a bit sweeter, so you might want to reduce the brown sugar slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
Yes, you can skip the cornstarch if you prefer. Just simmer the sauce for a bit longer to allow it to thicken naturally. Alternatively, you could use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener if you have those on hand!
