If you love bold flavors and quick meals, then the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. This dish combines tender ground beef with a savory-sweet sauce and chewy noodles, creating a mouthwatering experience inspired by classic Mongolian beef but so much simpler and faster. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or craving comforting takeout-style food at home, this recipe packs all the essential tastes in under 30 minutes using common pantry staples, and it never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s building the rich sauce, adding texture, or bringing fresh pops of color that make every bite satisfying and beautiful.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti: Provides a chewy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully and keeps the dish hearty.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for browning the beef and preventing sticking without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that delivers richness and meaty goodness to the noodles.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory punch that wakes up every other ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Brings brightness and a hint of warmth that balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Gives the sauce the salty backbone, allowing other flavors to shine without being too salty.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: This sweet touch perfectly complements the savory soy for that classic Mongolian flavor.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds depth, tang, and a subtle complexity that elevates the dish beyond basic stir fry.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce so it clings beautifully to the beef and noodles.
- 1 cup water: Balances the sauce consistency and helps cornstarch activate for that perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finish that adds nuttiness and rounds the flavor profile.
- 1 cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots: Provides a sweet crunch and a burst of vibrant color.
- 3 green onions (sliced): Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the whole dish when sprinkled on top.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal to your bowl.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): For those who like a little kick, these bring a gentle smoky spice.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you choose lo mein or spaghetti, make sure to drain them well and set aside. These noodles will absorb all that delicious sauce later, so getting them perfectly tender but firm to the bite is key.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Whisk everything until perfectly smooth. This mixture is where the magic happens, creating that dreamy, sticky Mongolian sauce that coats every noodle and beef morsel.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until nicely browned, breaking it apart with your spatula. This step usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep your dish from feeling heavy.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. These aromatics infuse the beef with warmth and complexity that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir to combine well. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens and glazes the meat beautifully. You’ll see it cling perfectly, creating that crave-worthy effect.
Step 6: Toss in Noodles and Carrots
Finally, add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots to the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the noodles, beef, and veggies. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes just to heat through and marry all the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and if you like a little heat, red pepper flakes on top. Serve it piping hot and prepare for the delighted smiles around the dinner table.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a must for their mild bite and pretty green pop that contrasts the dark sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add welcome texture, crunch, and a subtle nutty flavor that takes presentation up a notch. Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended if you want a little heat to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with light sides like steamed broccoli or snap peas to brighten up this hearty bowl. A crisp Asian slaw or cucumber salad also adds refreshing crunch and balances the richness. For an extra touch, serve with pickled vegetables or kimchi for tangy, spicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a finger-friendly meal. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also boost freshness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that noodles may soften slightly after freezing but still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein or spaghetti is ideal for this recipe, feel free to swap in rice noodles, udon, or even egg noodles. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is ground beef the only protein that works?
Not at all. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to suit your taste or dietary preferences without losing any of the dish’s incredible flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce will bring heat. Fresh chopped chilies or a dash of hot sauce are also great options if you love a spicy kick.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or snap peas work wonderfully. Just add them when you toss in the carrots so they cook through but keep a bit of crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free due to soy sauce and hoisin sauce. However, you can swap those for gluten-free versions or tamari to adapt it accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of quick cooking, pantry-friendly ingredients, and brilliant Mongolian-inspired flavors creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delicious and satisfying dish tonight!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining a savory-sweet sauce, tender ground beef, and chewy noodles. Inspired by classic Mongolian beef flavors, this simplified, pantry-friendly dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or comforting homemade takeout.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Beef and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside to keep warm.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the browned beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the flavor base of the dish.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to mix it with the beef. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely.
- Combine Noodles and Veggies: Add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles and carrots are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Serve the noodles hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for variation.
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for more nutrition and texture.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying the amounts of soy sauce and brown sugar to your taste preference.
