Description

Looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes? These Sticky Mongolian Meatballs with Broccoli are everything you want — sweet, savory, garlicky, and perfectly balanced. Made with juicy meatballs coated in a thick soy-based glaze and served with vibrant broccoli, this easy recipe delivers serious takeout vibes without leaving your kitchen. It’s perfect for easy dinner ideas, quick meals, healthy protein-packed food, and even meal prep lunches. Whether you serve it over fluffy jasmine rice or keep it low-carb, this dish is satisfying, bold, and totally family-approved.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

0.25 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon ginger grated

2 green onions finely chopped

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.25 teaspoon black pepper

0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce

0.25 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

2 cups broccoli florets

1 pinch salt

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons chopped green onions

0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until just combined.

2. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket.

3. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway.

4. While the meatballs cook, steam the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender but still bright green.

5. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.

6. Stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then whisk into the sauce and simmer until thickened.

7. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for another minute.

8. Serve meatballs over broccoli, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.

If you like it saucy, double the sauce recipe — it’s perfect over rice.

Always steam the broccoli until just tender to keep it vibrant and nutrient-rich.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Bake / Air Fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: sticky meatballs, Mongolian sauce, easy dinner, meatball recipe, healthy meal, quick weeknight dinner