If you’re in the mood for something savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-satisfying, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will absolutely hit the spot. Each swirl of noodle is cloaked in a glossy, rich sauce, flecked with scallions and tender morsels of beef, making it a dinner that feels as comforting as a cozy night in. This dish marries the bold flavors of takeout-favorite Mongolian beef with the soul-soothing texture of noodles, delivering a crowd-pleaser that takes just about 25 minutes to bring to the table. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner hero or a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something crave-worthy, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how delightfully straightforward the ingredient list is. Each simple item has an important role to play, from the tender beef to the savory-sweet sauce that pulls everything together. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): Pick your favorite noodle; both soak up the sauce beautifully and provide a perfect base.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the recipe, offering a savory, juicy bite in every forkful; ground turkey or chicken works well too!
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): For browning the beef and building foundational flavor right from the start.
- Green onions (1/2 cup chopped, plus extra for garnish): Freshness and color, lending a gentle sharpness that brightens the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers essential aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): This brings salty, umami richness without overpowering the other elements.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky, it’s the magic ingredient for that signature Mongolian flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Balances the salty and savory flavors, giving the sauce its subtle sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce so it clings to every noodle and beefy bite.
- Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and carries all those sauce flavors forward; beef broth enriches the depth, but water is a fine substitute.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of this toasty oil goes a long way in giving that authentic finishing aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Include for a subtle kick of heat, or leave out for a milder bowl.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): For a nutty crunch and finishing touch that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling a big pot of water and cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti as the packaging directs—usually until just al dente. Drain them well and set aside. Getting the noodles right means they’ll hold up perfectly when tossed with the beef and sauce later on, soaking in all that delicious flavor without turning mushy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. You’ll want it browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—a golden brown on the beef adds major flavor depth. If your beef leaves behind excess fat, just drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
With your beef nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic and chopped green onions. Cook everything together for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing. The aromatics add that signature pop and create the backbone of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles’ signature flavor.
Step 4: Whisk the Sauce
While your beef cooks, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth or water, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mixing your sauce ahead means everything is ready to hit the pan with no last-minute scrambles.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Pour your silky sauce mixture right into the skillet with the beef, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it all simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—a signal that it’s ready to cling perfectly to your noodles.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet. Use tongs or two wooden spoons to toss and coat everything evenly in that luscious sauce. Let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, just to allow the flavors to meld and the noodles to heat through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to serving bowls, then scatter the reserved green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. This final flourish not only makes the dish look irresistible but adds extra flavor and a little crunch.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really make your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles shine, both in looks and flavor. Sliced green onions are a classic, lending a bright color and a fresh punch to each bite, while a good dash of sesame seeds brings a gentle, toasty crunch. If you happen to have cilantro, a sprinkle adds a vibrant, herbaceous pop that’s always welcome.
Side Dishes
These noodles are hearty enough to stand alone, but they’re even better with a light, fresh side. I love pairing them with steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides not only add crunch and contrast but also a healthy, refreshing balance to the rich flavors in your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to really impress? Try piling the noodles into a large serving bowl and topping with an extra mound of scallions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a handful of shredded carrots or quick-pickled veggies. You can even serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in individual Chinese takeout boxes for a fun, themed dinner night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner extra tasty. Make sure to cool the noodles to room temperature before sealing and storing.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a super-quick future meal, you can absolutely freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Portion them out into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to two months. Let the noodles thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over low heat until everything is hot and glossy again. You can also microwave leftovers, just be sure to cover and stir halfway through for even heating. The noodles often taste just as amazing reheated as fresh!
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Even plant-based ground meat works great in Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, letting you keep all the flavor and texture with just a simple swap.
What kind of noodles work best for this dish?
Both lo mein and spaghetti noodles do a wonderful job soaking up the sauce and holding up to the beef. Lo mein gives you that classic takeout vibe, while spaghetti is super accessible and just as satisfying. Rice noodles can be used for a gluten-free twist as well.
Can I add vegetables to the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Go for it! Stir in quick-cooking veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking. It’s an easy way to add color, crunch, and extra nutrition to your noodles.
Is this dish spicy?
The base recipe is mostly savory-sweet with just a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes. If you love things spicy, simply add more flakes or a drizzle of chili oil when serving. If spice isn’t your thing, just leave the pepper out.
How do I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free?
It’s simple! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, swap the noodles for rice noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. You’ll still get all the irresistible flavor without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you love easy dinners that deliver big, bold flavors with minimal fuss, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles deserve a spot in your weekly meal plan. I hope you’ll give this dish a try soon—it’s comfort food at its best, ready in a flash, and bound to become a family favorite!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. This Asian-inspired dish features savory ground beef in a flavorful sauce tossed with noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add garlic and green onions to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the beef and simmer until thickened.
- Toss with Noodles: Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook briefly to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
