Ground meat is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly ingredients you can have in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday dinner or planning a laid-back weekend meal, these ground meat recipes are quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. Pair them with a simple salad or a side of rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Each of these recipes highlights how ground meat can transform into something special, from savory to spicy, with just a handful of pantry staples. Let’s dive into these delicious ideas!
1. Mongolian Ground Beef
A sweet and savory classic! The dish features tender ground beef coated in a rich soy-based sauce with a hint of sweetness. Perfect over rice and ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Mongolian Ground Beef recipe.
2. Gochujang Garlic Noodles
These gochujang garlic noodles elevate your dinner game with bold, spicy, savory flavors. Tossed with chewy noodles and aromatic garlic, every bite is packed with irresistible depth.
Get the Gochujang Garlic Noodles Recipe.
3. Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)
A Thai favorite made with stir-fried ground meat, aromatic basil, and a perfectly balanced sauce. Serve it with rice and a crispy fried egg for an unbeatable meal.
Get the Pad Kra Pao Recipe.
4. Ground Chicken Oyakodon
This Japanese rice bowl combines ground chicken, onions, and eggs in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s simple, hearty, and the ultimate comfort food for busy nights.
Get the Ground Chicken Oyakodon Recipe.
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Ingredients
5 green onions
5 cloves garlic
2.5 tsp (10g) grated ginger
3 tbsp neutral-tasting oil, divided
1.1 lb (500g) ground beef (or ground pork, chicken, etc.)
5 Vietnamese dried chilies (optional)
1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
3-4 cups hot cooked rice, about 1 cup (210g) for each serving
1/2 mild red chili (or bell pepper) (optional), to garnish
- Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp light corn syrup
2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or mirin, dry sherry, water, etc.)
Black pepper, to taste
5 tbsp water
1 tbsp cornstarch
Directions
- Prep Ingredients
- Thinly slice some white parts of the green onions. Cut the green parts into long strips, about 2 inches (5 cm) long. Keep them separate.
- Smash the garlic cloves and finely chop them. Grate a small knob of ginger (2.5 tsp).
- Make the sauce. In a small container, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, dark soy sauce, corn syrup, Shaoxing wine, black pepper to taste, water, and cornstarch.
- Make Mongolian Ground Beef
- In a wok (or pan), heat the oil (1 tbsp) over medium-high heat. Once it gets nice and hot, add the ground beef. Break up the beef and saute for 7 to 8 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- To the same pan, add the oil (2 tbsp) and place it over medium heat. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Give it a good stir and let all the flavors infuse for 1 minute.
- Add thicker parts of the green onions and dried chilies (if using). Stir them around for another 30 seconds. (If you want to make it more fancy or nutritious, you could add some sliced bell peppers or button mushrooms.)
- Pour in the sauce. Simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens up a little bit. Add the beef back in and mix together for 1 minute. Turn the heat off. Add the remaining green onions and sesame oil. Give it a final mix.
- To serve, put some rice into a bowl and add a generous amount of Mongolian ground beef. Garnish with sliced red chili (if using). Enjoy!
Notes
- 1 Tbsp = 15 ml, 1 Cup = 240 ml
- This can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for a few months.
