There's nothing quite like the savory, slightly sweet aroma of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles filling your kitchen. This comforting dish combines tender beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, flavorful sauce that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for a quick dinner with pantry staples, and it became an instant favorite. It’s now a regular in our weekly rotation, perfect for those nights when you need something fast but delicious. Let me walk you through why this recipe is such a winner.
Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to add a new staple to your weeknight repertoire. This dish is as delicious as it is simple, and there’s something for everyone to love.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal ready to go. No complicated steps, just straightforward cooking that delivers big on flavor.
Second, it’s a budget-friendly option for feeding a hungry family. Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts keeps this meal affordable while still providing a hearty, protein-packed base.
Third, the flavors are out of this world. The savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and zingy garlic and ginger blend together perfectly to create a sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Lastly, it’s endlessly versatile. Swap out the noodles, add veggies, or adjust the heat level to suit your taste—this recipe adapts effortlessly to what you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a lot of flavor into every bite. Let’s break them down.
Ground beef is the star of the show. Choose lean ground beef for a slightly healthier dish, or use regular ground beef for a richer flavor. Either way, it provides the savory, meaty foundation for the dish.
Noodles are the perfect vehicle for the sauce. I recommend using lo mein or spaghetti noodles, but you can substitute with ramen, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Soy sauce forms the backbone of the sauce. Use regular soy sauce for a salty, savory punch, or low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness.
Brown sugar balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness, creating the classic Mongolian flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference.
Garlic and ginger bring a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. Fresh is best, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.
You’ll also need a large skillet or wok to ensure everything cooks evenly and comes together seamlessly.
How To Make This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
This dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them, toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking, and set them aside.
While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then return the beef to the pan.
Next, stir in the garlic and ginger. Let them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the beef and sauce until everything is evenly coated. Let the noodles cook for another 2-3 minutes, soaking up the delicious sauce.
Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are now ready to serve! From start to finish, this recipe comes together in about 20 minutes—perfect for even the busiest evenings.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish keeps well and reheats beautifully.
Store your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers even tastier.
For freezing, portion the dish into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
- For a veggie boost, add sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Stir them in with the beef for a one-pan meal.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of traditional pasta.
- Add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds as a garnish for extra texture and flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Who knows—you might just discover a new family favorite!
With its quick prep, customizable flavors, and irresistible sauce, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the ultimate dinner solution. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a staple in your home too.
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is packed with bold flavors, tender noodles, and a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for busy nights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- If using cornstarch, mix with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry, then stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
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