Craving a delicious and satisfying dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Mongolian ground beef recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, impressing friends, or just treating yourself to a healthy and homemade meal. This recipe showcases the best of quick dinner ideas, delivering a vibrant and flavorful experience without sacrificing taste or quality.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference!)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the delicious base of flavors for our Mongolian beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure the beef is thoroughly cooked before proceeding.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This creates a delicious and glossy sauce that coats the beef perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Add the broccoli florets and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with the sliced green onions and serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. This delicious Mongolian ground beef is best enjoyed immediately!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Make it healthier: Use lean ground beef and reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish can be easily made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Mongolian ground beef recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both quick and easy to prepare. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking, making it a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!