Introduction
Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner idea? 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs are a game-changer! They bring together the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of classic Mongolian beef in a fun, bite-sized meatball form. Whether you’re feeding a busy household, meal prepping for the week, or just want something different for dinner, these meatballs are the perfect choice.
What makes them so special? Well, they’re super easy to make, packed with flavor, and ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, they go great with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and how to make them!
Ingredients – Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Here’s a simple list of what you need to make your Mongolian Beef Meatballs.
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of spice
Optional for Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Step by Step Process – Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Let’s break it down into easy steps. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything comes together!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until well combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can get tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
- Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide).
- Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spaced a little apart.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
Step 5: Make the Mongolian Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, prepare your sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup water. Stir and bring to a light simmer.
- In a separate cup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. This is your slurry that will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir well.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
Step 6: Toss Meatballs in Sauce
- Once the meatballs are out of the oven, place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot Mongolian sauce over them and gently toss to coat all the meatballs evenly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or with stir-fried veggies for a full meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes the dish a little lighter. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be a bit milder in flavor.
2. How can I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce, and avoid adding too much salt to the meatball mix. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to dilute it a bit.
3. Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
Yes! These meatballs store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
4. What sides go best with these meatballs?
They pair wonderfully with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Stir-fried vegetables (like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots)
- Noodles (like lo mein or even ramen)
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
5. Can I cook the meatballs in a pan instead of baking them?
Yes, you can! Just heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and fully cooked inside. Make sure to turn them gently while cooking.
Final Thoughts
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs are the perfect mix of tasty, quick, and easy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even guests, this recipe won’t let you down. It’s rich, flavorful, and feels like something you’d order from a fancy Asian restaurant — only you made it at home in just half an hour!
So, next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. It’s fast, full of flavor, and sure to please even picky eaters. Give it a try tonight — and don’t forget to double the batch if you want leftovers for lunch tomorrow. You’ll thank yourself later!
