If you love big flavor and minimal fuss, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is destined to be a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Succulent ground beef, shimmering with a glossy sweet-savory sauce, wraps itself lovingly around tender noodles for a dish that’s every bit as comforting as it is craveable. Quick to whip up yet layered with the kind of rich, bold Asian-inspired flavors that instantly satisfy, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy nights, casual family meals, or even a fast meal prep that holds up beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe keeps things delightfully simple, using everyday ingredients that deliver big, aromatic payoff. Each piece of the puzzle is carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture, creating a fun, flavorful dish you’ll want to revisit often.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that lets all the other flavors shine while preventing anything from sticking to your skillet.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty star for a satisfyingly meaty base – sub with turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must-have for that fragrant, savory backbone in classic Asian-inspired cooking.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that warm, zesty pop you expect from your favorite takeout noodles.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness while infusing rich umami depth.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): This touch of sweetness balances the salty, tangy sauce and creates the glossy sheen.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy undertones for authentic flavor complexity.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Ensures the sauce thickens to just the right, slurpy consistency that coats each strand of noodle.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Layers in extra savoriness and body to the sauce; use low-sodium if preferred.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): Go classic or practical – either one soaks up all the delicious sauce!
- Sliced green onions (1/2 cup): Their fresh, oniony crunch brightens up every bite right at the end.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a gentle, tingling heat – add more or skip entirely.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Fine-tune the flavors at the very end, right before serving.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and looks fantastic for serving.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your chosen noodles (lo mein is classic, but regular spaghetti makes for a foolproof substitute) according to the package directions. You’ll want them just tender, so they hold up perfectly once tossed in the savory sauce. Drain and set aside – a little drizzle of oil can help keep the noodles from sticking together as you prep the rest.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink and has lovely caramelized edges for maximum flavor. If you notice extra grease, drain most of it off – you want just enough fat left to flavor the next steps, but not so much the dish feels oily.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the minced garlic and ground ginger right into the beef. Give everything a good stir for about a minute, just until fragrant. This is where the kitchen starts to smell incredible! The heat helps draw out those magical flavors that are the foundation of any great Mongolian sauce.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, quickly whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth. Once that’s ready, pour it right into the sizzling skillet with your beef. Stir and bring everything to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and thicken until it beautifully coats the meat.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles and Finishing Touches
Add your cooked noodles directly to the skillet and toss well, making sure every magical strand gets coated with that glistening sauce. Next, stir in the sliced green onions and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Round things out with a simple taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish if you’re feeling fancy, and serve this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe steaming hot.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with a flurry of sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only makes the dish pop visually, but those flavors and textures add just the right finishing note. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a hint of extra red pepper flakes invites people to customize their bowl to their taste.
Side Dishes
These rich, saucy noodles pair wonderfully with steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy. A simple cucumber salad or a side of Asian slaw can bring a refreshing crunch to balance out the bold flavors of your main dish. If you’re feeling extra hungry, add a couple of crispy egg rolls or potstickers for an instant takeout-style feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in shallow bowls with chopsticks for an authentic flair or pile portions into a sizzling cast iron pan for a dramatic, table-side presentation. For meal prepping or kid-friendly lunches, pack the noodles into wide-mouth jars – they look colorful and travel beautifully. You can even stir in extra veggies or swap out your noodles for rice to keep things fresh and surprising week after week!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any extra Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if those leftovers taste even better the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual servings in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Noodles freeze surprisingly well, though for best results, undercook them ever so slightly if you know you’ll be freezing most of the recipe. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover noodles on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir well as you heat to prevent sticking or uneven warming. A quick toss with a few fresh green onions just before serving can really freshen up reheated portions!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat are all excellent swaps if you want to lighten things up or accommodate different diets. Simply follow the same instructions, adjusting cook times as needed for your chosen protein.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you’re fresh out, you can either skip the hoisin in a pinch or stir in an extra teaspoon of brown sugar and a dash of rice vinegar for that sweet, tangy balance. The flavor will be a bit different, but the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe will still be irresistible.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or even a handful of baby spinach are all fantastic additions. Sauté them with the beef just after it browns, or stir them in with the noodles for a colorful, nutritious boost.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free noodles and swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your hoisin sauce for gluten, too. The end result will be just as comforting and rich.
Is this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional and easily adjustable. If you prefer zero heat, just skip them or let heat lovers sprinkle their own batch at the table.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about tucking into a big bowl of saucy, slurpable noodles, and this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe has all the makings of a household favorite. It’s simple, quick, and flexible enough to suit any palate. Give it a try—and let yourself fall in love with every rich, savory bite!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender ground beef cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, tossed with noodles and green onions, this Asian-inspired meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Noodles:
For the Beef:
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add garlic and ginger. Make sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, cornstarch, and beef broth. Simmer with beef.
- Combine: Add cooked noodles to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in green onions and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For added vegetables, toss in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas with the beef.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
