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
Scale
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.
