I still find myself dreaming about the first time I made these Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli. Each bite was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy! The meatballs were tender and flavorful, tossed in a glossy, sticky glaze, while the roasted broccoli brought a satisfying crunch.

What really sold me was how quickly and easily this came together without sacrificing flavor. Everything cooked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is, and you’ve got a dish destined to impress.

What You’ll Need to Make This Flavorful Dish?

Gather these simple yet impactful ingredients to make your meal shine.

1 lb ground beef: Perfect for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
2 green onions, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor to the meatballs and garnish.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Brings a warm, zesty kick.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a deep, savory flavor.
4 cups broccoli florets: A wholesome, crunchy pairing to balance the dish.
1/3 cup soy sauce: Forms the salty, umami base of the sauce.
1/3 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and creates that sticky-glossy texture.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar: Adds tang to cut through the richness.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For just the right amount of heat (adjust to taste).
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly.
1 teaspoon sesame seeds: A crunchy garnish for texture and presentation.

Note: Makes 4 servings, ideal for dinner or meal prep. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed.

Creative Variations for Endless Customization

This recipe is a versatile favorite that’s open to plenty of tweaks and substitutions.

Low-Carb Twist: Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed bok choy instead of traditional rice.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure the cornstarch is gluten-free.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or replace the meatballs with tofu or cauliflower florets coated in the sticky sauce.
Bold Spicy Flavors: Kick up the heat with more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

Quick and Easy Cooking Times

No need to spend hours in the kitchen! This flavorful dish takes just half an hour.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

The Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish effortlessly.

Mixing bowl: To combine the meatball ingredients easily.
Baking sheet: Allows the meatballs and broccoli to roast together.
Skillet: For simmering the sticky Mongolian sauce to perfection.
Whisk: Ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce every time.

How to Make Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli?

Follow these straightforward steps for a dish full of flavor and texture.

Prepare the Meatballs

Start by adding the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. Mix in green onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper, and gently combine the ingredients using your hands or a spatula. Don’t overmix! Roll the mixture into small, even meatballs and place them on one side of a lined baking sheet.

Roast the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on the other side of the baking sheet. Place the sheet in a preheated 450°F oven and roast for 15 minutes. Roasting the broccoli at high heat ensures it stays slightly crisp with a caramelized touch.

Make the Sticky Mongolian Sauce

While the meatballs and broccoli are roasting, heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Whisk together cornstarch and a little water to create a slurry, then slowly stir it into the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Coat the Meatballs in Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the skillet. Gently toss them in the sticky Mongolian sauce to coat each one evenly. By now, the sauce should cling beautifully to the meatballs for that irresistible shine.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the meatballs alongside the roasted broccoli over steaming bowls of jasmine rice or noodles. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top as a garnish to add the final layer of flavor and texture.

Tips for a Perfect Dish

Try these helpful tips to elevate your cooking experience and results.

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Mixing too much compresses the meat, resulting in denser meatballs. Combine the ingredients just until they hold together.
Consistency Matters: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add extra cornstarch slurry a little at a time until the glossy coat forms. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of water.
Broccoli Texture: For the perfect broccoli, roast it just until tender but still firm. Overcooking can make it mushy.
Adjust the Heat Level: Add red pepper flakes gradually and taste as you go to perfect the spiciness for your preference.

How to Serve Sticky Mongolian Meatballs and Broccoli?

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile for various occasions.

Family Dinner Bowl: Plate the meatballs and broccoli over warm bowls of jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and green onions.
Appetizer Option: Skip the broccoli and serve the saucy meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Low-Carb Alternative: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice, or pair the meatballs with a crunchy, sautéed vegetable.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each serving.

Calories: 691
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 73g
Fat: 34g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how to prep ahead and store leftovers the right way!

Make Ahead

You can form the meatballs up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. The sauce can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat everything in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce and keep the meatballs tender.

Why This Recipe Will Win You Over?

Packed with bold flavors and easy enough for weeknight dinners, this dish has so much to love!

Quick and Simple: Everything comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.
Irresistible Sauce: The sticky Mongolian glaze is the ultimate flavor bomb, coating every bite in sweet, savory goodness.
One-Pan Simplicity: Roasting the meatballs and broccoli on a single sheet pan makes cooking (and cleanup!) hassle-free.
Customizable Options: This recipe works with different proteins, spice levels, or even vegetarian swaps.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick meal or a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Once you’ve tried these sticky Mongolian meatballs and broccoli, there’s no going back. They’re cozy, flavorful, and truly unforgettable. Get ready to wow your taste buds!