Description

If you’re craving an easy dinner that’s bold, balanced, and incredibly satisfying, these Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli are the answer. Juicy beef meatballs simmered in a sweet-savory glaze, paired with tender broccoli and fluffy rice—this dish checks all the boxes for quick dinner ideas, easy weeknight meals, and family-friendly food ideas. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prep, and works equally well for meal prep or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 teaspoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons water (for slurry)

2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

3 cups cooked white rice

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.

4. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.

5. Return meatballs to the pan and cook in the sauce for 5–7 minutes, coating evenly and ensuring they’re fully cooked.

6. While the meatballs finish, steam broccoli until just tender.

7. To serve, add rice to a bowl, top with meatballs and sauce, then add steamed broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds and more green onions.

Notes

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it gives the sauce that signature sticky finish.

Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

For extra depth, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce to the glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Sticky Mongolian meatballs, quick dinner, easy meatball recipe, beef and broccoli, meal prep