Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory and sweet beef stir-fry served over fluffy rice, featuring a homemade sauce that's perfectly balanced and ready in 25 minutes. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs lean ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger; whisk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz lean ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  4. Step 4: Steam 1 cup broccoli florets and 1/2 cup sliced carrots for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Divide 1 cup cooked white rice between two bowls. Top with the beef mixture and steamed vegetables, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mongolian Ground Beef with Sesame Rice?

Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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