These tasty Mongolian beef meatballs are packed with flavor and ready in just half an hour! With a sweet and tangy sauce, they make a perfect meal any night of the week.
Plus, they are super fun to make! I love rolling the meatballs while humming my favorite tunes. Serve them over rice or noodles for a delicious dinner that feels special, yet is so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re going for a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat.
Breadcrumbs: They add texture to the meatballs. If you’re gluten-free, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Quick tip: make your own by toasting bread and then grinding it!
Green Onions: Fresh green onions give a nice crunch and flavor. In a pinch, chives or shallots work as good substitutes. You can also use the white parts as a base in your sauce.
Soy Sauce: It contributes to the umami flavor. For a gluten-free alternative, try tamari sauce, which has a similar taste. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor if you prefer.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the quantity since they are usually sweeter than brown sugar.
How Do You Get the Meatballs to Stay Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your meatballs from being dry, remember these tips:
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture. Just combine until all ingredients are well-mixed.
- Form the meatballs gently. They don’t need to be tightly packed—air should be able to circulate to keep them tender.
- Baking at the right temperature (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes helps lock in moisture.
- Coating the meatballs in sauce after baking adds flavor and keeps them moist.
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Steamed broccoli
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the meatballs and another 15-20 minutes baking them. While they bake, you can whip up the delicious sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Mix:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup chopped green onions, the egg, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Form the Meatballs:
Now, it’s time to shape the mixture! Grab about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form meatballs that are about 1 inch in size. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try to keep them spaced out a bit so they cook evenly.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re cooked through and have a nice golden brown color. Make sure to check them halfway through for even cooking!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, let’s make that tasty sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken. It’ll smell amazing!
5. Combine and Serve:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully take them out of the oven and add them to the saucepan with your sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in that delicious sauce.
6. Get Serving:
Now, it’s time to enjoy! Serve the Mongolian beef meatballs over cooked rice and alongside steamed broccoli. You can sprinkle some extra chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a nice finishing touch. Dig in and enjoy your quick and tasty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as turkey can cook faster. You want the meatballs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can use oats or crushed crackers as a substitute for breadcrumbs. If you use rolled oats, pulsing them in a food processor first can create a finer texture that works well in meatballs.
How Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze them as well—just place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in the oven or microwave.
Can I Make the Sauce Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, try incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce while it thickens. Adjust according to your heat preference for an extra kick!
