Wholesome Mongolian-Inspired Ground Beef Bowl Recipe

These Nutritious Mongolian Ground Beef Bowls are fast, simple, and ready in only 20 minutes! Featuring a sweet and savory sauce, this protein-rich dinner is ideal for hectic weeknights or meal prepping.

Skip the delivery and whip up these Nutritious Mongolian Ground Beef Bowls at your place! Loaded with robust flavor, lean protein, and a delightful sticky sauce that effortlessly combines in just 20 minutes for the entire family. This one-pan recipe is fantastic for meal prepping or those frantic evenings when you’re unsure of what to prepare (or if you even want to). Easy yet immensely gratifying, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again!

Reasons You’ll Adore This

• Fast and straightforward – everything cooks together in a single skillet in only 20 minutes for a delicious and flavorful weeknight meal.
• Healthier than takeout – this dish has lower sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making it a far superior choice compared to your go-to Chinese spot!
• Well-rounded and satisfying – this recipe is filled with protein and fresh vegetables that provide fiber and essential nutrients.
• Ideal for meal prepping – these beef bowls reheat wonderfully for nutritious lunches or dinners. You can also customize it easily!

Ingredients Required

• ground beef – I suggest using 90/10 or 93/7 for less fat. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even steak could be utilized as substitutes.
• broccoli – about 3 cups of bite-sized broccoli florets are needed; feel free to go with either fresh or frozen broccoli.
• red bell pepper – it brings a splash of color, natural sweetness, and a little crunch. I prefer to slice the bell pepper into thin strips.
• olive oil – I prefer to use quality olive oil or another neutral variety for sautéing the veggies and browning the meat; just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for maximum flavor. 
• garlic – either fresh chopped garlic cloves or jarred minced garlic can work.
• ginger – it adds a wonderful zest that balances the sauce’s richness. If you don’t have fresh ginger, substitute with a half teaspoon of ground ginger.
• green onions – they provide a flavor boost and a pop of color.
• sauce ingredients – a tasty blend of soy sauce (I use low sodium), beef broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or light brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken.

Steps to Prepare Mongolian Beef Bowls

1. Make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until there are no lumps to create a slurry. Incorporate the cornstarch slurry into the stir fry sauce and set it aside.
2. Cook the beef. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and cook the ground beef until it begins to brown and crumble. If necessary, drain excess fat.
3. Sauté the vegetables. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an extra 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix in the broccoli and red bell pepper slices and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp, and the beef is no longer pink.
4. Combine everything. Add the sauce and stir thoroughly. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Switch off the heat and mix in the green onions. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Serve. We enjoy spooning this Mongolian ground beef and vegetables over rice, but it can also be served with cauliflower rice, noodles, or on its own. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions, and relish!

Advice for the Best Mongolian Beef Bowls

• Prep the ingredients first – this Mongolian beef and vegetables cook rapidly, so I recommend chopping and measuring everything beforehand for quick assembly.
• Choose lean ground beef – this prevents the dish from becoming overly fatty and ensures the sauce sticks better.
• Vibrant green broccoli – to keep your broccoli bright green, you can blanch it in boiling water before adding it to the skillet.
• Don’t overlook fresh ginger – it contributes a unique flavor that truly elevates the dish and gives it that takeout feel, but even better!
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce – I find regular dark soy sauce too salty, so lower sodium soy sauce is ideal for this recipe. You could also use coconut aminos or tamari if you need it gluten-free.
• Taste and adjust – this sticky sweet stir fry sauce is a favorite, but don’t hesitate to adjust it to match your taste preferences.
• Serving options – this stir fry pairs wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Variations

• Make it gluten-free – simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Add some heat – include more red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, a drizzle of sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for extra flavor and spice.
• Low-carb alternative – this dish is delicious over white or brown rice, but you can also enjoy it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower carbohydrate option.
• Vegetarian option – swap out the ground beef for tofu, tempeh, or your preferred noodles for a meat-free dish.
• More vegetables – feel free to add snap peas, zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition. Use whatever veggies you love!

Storage and Preparation

To Store: This Mongolian ground beef and vegetables can be kept in a sealed, airtight container for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. You can easily warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or a few tablespoons of water to thin the sauce if desired.

To Freeze: You can freeze the cooked beef mixture (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Additional Stir Fry Recipes

Hope you all enjoy this Italian Chopped Salad recipe! If you love this salad as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!