Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs are a delightful twist on traditional flavors that bring warmth and comfort to your dining table. Combining juicy beef with vibrant broccoli and a sweet-savory sauce, this recipe hits all the right notes for a busy weeknight dinner or an easy family meal. In my experience, these meatballs are not just a feast for the palate but also a time-saver in the kitchen, making them a go-to for those evenings when you crave something hearty yet simple.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What makes this dish particularly special is its ability to blend convenience and taste seamlessly. Ready in under an hour, Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs are quick to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. They’re budget-friendly, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, which means no last-minute grocery runs are necessary. Plus, the sweet and savory sauce is a kid-approved favorite, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.

"These meatballs are a game-changer! Quick to make and full of flavor—my kids gobbled them up!" — Sarah, a satisfied home cook.

Preparing Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs

This recipe is straightforward and allows you to see results quickly. You’ll mix your meatball ingredients, bake them to juicy perfection, and whip up a delicious sauce to elevate the dish. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dinner that feels special without the fuss.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Note: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and use gluten-free bread crumbs and soy sauce to make it gluten-free if needed.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the meatballs.
Mix Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Add Broccoli: Scatter the broccoli florets around the meatballs for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and sesame oil until well blended.
Combine: Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs and broccoli, ensuring everything is coated.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through, and the broccoli tender.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious meatballs over a bed of rice or noodles, soaking up that fantastic sauce.

Best Way to Serve

Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs are versatile when it comes to serving. They shine on a bed of fluffy white rice, soaking up all the flavorful sauce, or can be tossed with fresh noodles for a fun twist. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds and more green onions as a garnish can elevate the presentation. Plus, a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables can round out the meal nicely!

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to three days. If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing the meatballs in a freezer-safe container. Just ensure they’re separated to avoid sticking together, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When reheating, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Helpful Hints

Using slightly wet hands when forming meatballs can help prevent sticking to your hands.
If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until you achieve the right consistency.
For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce into your meatball mixture or sauce for an additional layer of depth.

Creative Twists

There are endless possibilities for customizing this recipe. Consider using lean ground turkey for a lighter dish or swapping out broccoli for green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas. You can also add a hint of spice by including red pepper flakes in the sauce or opting for spicy soy sauce to kick things up a notch.

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work well for this dish.

Q: Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge up to a day ahead. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I reheat the leftovers?
A: You can reheat in the microwave or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Enjoy this recipe for Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs, and let the flavors take you to a deliciously satisfying dinner experience!

Sticky Mongolian Beef Meatballs

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Description

A delightful twist on traditional flavors, combining juicy beef with vibrant broccoli and a sweet-savory sauce for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, green onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Scatter the broccoli florets around the meatballs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and broccoli, ensuring even coating.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and broccoli is tender.
Serve the meatballs over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: meatballs, beef, Mongolian, quick dinner, weeknight meal