Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 3 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you’re yearning for an ultra-flavorful, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes, look no further than Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. This dish delivers bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavors tangled with tender noodles—something the whole family will crave. Perfect for those busy weeknights, it combines pantry staples with fresh aromatics to create a hearty meal that feels special but is deceptively simple to make.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles such a winning recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute big taste, irresistible texture, or that signature glossy finish that makes these noodles so addictive!

Lo mein noodles (12 oz): These chewy noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce; spaghetti works as a trusty alternative if you can’t find lo mein.
Ground beef (1 lb): A flavorful protein that browns up beautifully and makes the dish satisfyingly hearty.
Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the beef and aromatics with just the right amount of richness.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic punch and depth of flavor you don’t want to skip.
Fresh ginger (1 tsp, grated): Lends a hint of warm spice that brightens the whole dish.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The base of that glossy, umami-packed sauce; going low-sodium allows you to control the salt level.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle caramel sweetness that balances all the savory notes.
Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Adds complexity and a touch of tang that makes the sauce deliciously irresistible.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce to the perfect clingy consistency.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps blend and distribute the sauce components smoothly.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who like a little fiery kick—add to taste!
Green onions (3, sliced): Freshness and color for a vibrant finishing touch.
Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a light crunch and visual flair at the table.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of water to a boil. Add your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions until they’re just tender. Drain them thoroughly and set aside. Nailing the noodle texture here is essential; you want them cooked through but still a touch firm so they can stand up to the rich sauce later.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

While the noodles are doing their thing, grab a small bowl and whip up the luscious Mongolian-inspired sauce. Whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and the optional red pepper flakes. Everything should be smooth and blended—this flavorful mixture is the heart of your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until it’s browned and fully cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Browning the beef develops the savory base flavors and ensures nothing gets greasy.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. Let these sizzle with the meat for about a minute, just until their wonderful fragrance fills the kitchen. This extra step makes the flavor profile of your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles truly shine.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the whisked sauce mixture right into the skillet with the beef and aromatics. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, hugging every morsel of beef in a glossy, crave-worthy coating.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Toss in your drained noodles and give everything a hearty stir so the sauce evenly coats every strand. Let the noodles cook in the sauce for another two minutes, letting them soak up maximum flavor and get piping hot. Remove the skillet from the heat—you’re ready to plate!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to serving bowls and shower each with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. The fresh, crunchy garnish makes the dish pop and brings all the flavors together in every bite.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Garnishes

Pile on those sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for a vibrant contrast to the savory noodles. If you’re feeling extra, a handful of fresh cilantro, crisp bean sprouts, or a wedge of lime adds even more color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a meal-in-one, but they pair beautifully with simple sides like lightly sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or a cucumber salad. The fresh veggies balance out the rich, saucy noodles and add a burst of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to turn dinner into an event? Try serving the noodles in large shallow bowls, topped with extra garnishes. Or, portion the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles into takeout-style cartons for a fun, restaurant-inspired vibe—chopsticks optional but recommended!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors only deepen overnight, so lunch the next day is bound to be incredible. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for future cravings. Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally until hot. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and keep the noodles tender.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great swap for a lighter, leaner take on Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Just remember, turkey and chicken cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them while browning to prevent dryness.

How do I make the dish gluten-free?

To enjoy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and swap out the lo mein or spaghetti for a certified gluten-free noodle. Double-check your hoisin sauce as well, since some brands do contain gluten.

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Almost any quick-cooking veggie shines here! Sautéed bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach can all be tossed in with the beef or noodles for added color and nutrition in your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer your noodles on the savory side, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. Start with 2 tablespoons, taste, and adjust as needed to achieve that perfect flavor balance for your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are meal prep friendly and will keep well for several days. Store in meal-size portions and reheat as needed; consider keeping garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds separate until serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly rewarding about whipping up a hearty bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in your own kitchen. This recipe is fast, full of bold flavors, and endlessly customizable—perfect for satisfying every craving. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star of your weeknight dinner rotation!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a delicious and quick Asian-inspired dish that combines flavorful ground beef with savory sauce-coated noodles, topped with green onions and sesame seeds for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Noodles:

12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti

For the Beef:

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

3 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, add garlic and ginger, then pour in the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked noodles in the skillet with the beef and sauce. Cook briefly, then top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.