Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
If you love bold takeout flavors but crave the comfort of a home-cooked meal, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together savory ground beef, chewy noodles, and a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as your favorite restaurant version, but so much easier to whip up whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item works together to deliver deep flavor, satisfying texture, and a vibrant finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 oz): The perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce; use what you have on hand!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Opt for 85/15 or leaner; it adds rich flavor and protein, making this dish hearty and filling.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Provides an unmistakable nutty aroma that sets the stage for classic Asian-inspired flavors.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Essential for depth and that irresistible savory punch.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and zing, balancing the sweetness of the sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty, umami backbone of the entire dish—low-sodium keeps things from getting too salty.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce its signature sweetness and glossy finish.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds complexity and a hint of tang, elevating the flavor profile.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce perfectly, so it coats every noodle.
- Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Rounds out the sauce, making it rich without being heavy.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a touch of heat if you like a little kick.
- Green onions, sliced (3): Bring freshness, color, and a mild onion bite for the final flourish.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Tiny, toasty pops of crunch that make every bowl look extra inviting.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you use lo mein or spaghetti, make sure to cook them just until al dente—they’ll finish absorbing flavor in the sauce. Drain and set them aside while you work on the beef and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In your biggest skillet or a wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want the beef nicely browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger. Let them sizzle for about a minute, just until they’re fragrant. This quick step infuses the beef with so much flavor and really builds the base for the irresistible Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles sauce.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, beef broth (or water), and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering beef mixture. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see the sauce magically thicken and get glossy, ready to hug every strand of noodle.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add your cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure each noodle gets coated in that luscious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, just to heat everything through and bring all the flavors together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat, then sprinkle over the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This final touch brings freshness and crunch, making your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles look as good as they taste!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they make a world of difference! A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a burst of color and a mild bite, while a shower of sesame seeds gives a little crunch and extra toasty flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a handful of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil takes things over the top.
Side Dishes
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but they’re even better with a simple veggie side. Think quick stir-fried broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides bring balance and help lighten up the dish, especially if you’re serving a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your noodles in big bowls with chopsticks or twirl them into nests for individual plates. If you’re hosting, try setting up a noodle bar with extra toppings like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or spicy pickled radish. Kids also love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles scooped into lettuce cups for a playful, hands-on dinner!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let the noodles cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the noodles in the microwave with a splash of water or broth, or warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat. Give everything a good toss so the sauce loosens up and the noodles heat through evenly. Add a few fresh green onions or sesame seeds for that just-cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While lo mein or spaghetti are classic choices for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you can use any long noodle you have—rice noodles, udon, or even linguine work beautifully and each brings a slightly different texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is savory and sweet with just a hint of warmth from the ginger. If you like things spicy, go ahead and add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to kick it up a notch.
Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari, and choose gluten-free noodles. Always double-check your hoisin sauce as well, since some brands contain wheat.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, shredded carrots, snap peas, or broccoli either with the beef or just before adding the noodles. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and crunch to every bite.
Can I use another type of meat?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic in this recipe, making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles lighter but just as flavorful. You could even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable—a true weeknight winner. Give this recipe a try soon and let its bold flavors and easy prep become a staple in your kitchen!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe combines savory ground beef with a rich, flavorful sauce, tender noodles, and a hint of spice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this Asian-inspired dish is quick to prepare and satisfying, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and taste.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be mixed later with the beef and sauce.
- Brown the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ground ginger to the browned beef. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, to enhance the flavors in the dish.
- Prepare Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, beef broth (or water), and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to evenly coat the noodles in the thickened sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and fully combined with the beef mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to increase texture and nutritional value.
- For a spicier version, increase or omit the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
