These 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs are juicy homemade beef meatballs coated in a rich, sweet, and savory Mongolian-inspired sauce. They’re quick enough for busy weeknights and delicious served over rice or noodles.
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, black pepper, and sesame oil.
- Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into 18 to 20 evenly sized meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a large skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas.
- Serve over ramen noodles.
- Make mini meatballs for appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Asian cucumber salad
Tips
- Roll the meatballs with lightly wet hands to prevent sticking.
- Bake instead of frying for easier cleanup.
- Garnish just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Serves: 4
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 1,020mg
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and bake the meatballs up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and warm them in the Mongolian sauce before serving.
Can I freeze Mongolian Beef Meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooked meatballs with or without the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this recipe with frozen meatballs?
Yes. Homemade meatballs provide the best flavor, but fully cooked frozen meatballs are a convenient shortcut. Simply warm them in the sauce until heated through.
Is Mongolian sauce spicy?
Traditional Mongolian sauce is sweet and savory rather than spicy. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
What vegetables go well with this recipe?
Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy all pair perfectly with the rich sauce.
How do I keep the meatballs tender?
Mix the ingredients gently, avoid overworking the meat, and cook only until the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature.
Conclusion
These 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Meatballs are packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors and coated in a glossy homemade sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles. They’re quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
