Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and just a touch adventurous, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine bouncy noodles lovingly coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce, tangled up with savory ground beef, crisp green onions, and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. This dish is pure delight in a bowl—hearty, speedy, and bursting with those irresistible Asian-inspired flavors that always have everyone coming back for more. Best of all, you can whip it up faster than you can order takeout, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights and lazy evenings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is how it transforms a few everyday supermarket basics into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays its own special role, making the flavors pop and the textures just right—nothing fancy, but everything important.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): Your base for soaking up all that luscious sauce; use what you have, both work beautifully!
- Ground beef (1 pound): Brings hearty flavor and a rich, satisfying bite—lean or regular, either works.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that really makes the dish sing.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Gives the sauce its savory backbone; don’t skimp, fresh is best!
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Lends a hint of warmth and brightness that balances the sweet and salty notes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Creates the savory, umami-rich sauce without overloading on salt.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): The secret to that addictive, sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every noodle.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a boost of sweet and tangy depth that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This works magic, thickening everything into that glossy, crave-worthy finish.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps everything blend, ensuring the sauce isn’t too overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just for a gentle kick—add more or less to suit your heat preference!
- Green onions, sliced (4): Sprinkle these in at the end for a fresh, crunchy bite and a pop of color.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): A nutty finishing touch you’ll adore, both for looks and flavor.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of generously salted water to a boil, then add your lo mein or spaghetti noodles. Cook until just al dente (usually a minute or two less than the package suggests)—this keeps them springy and perfect for tossing in sauce. Drain well and set aside so they’re ready to meet all that Mongolian magic.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high and add the sesame oil. Once shimmering, toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Let it cook until well-browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess fat, drain a bit off, but leave a little for flavor. This step adds so much rich, savory depth to your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
With the beef still sizzling, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir everything together just until fragrant, about one to two minutes. This quick infusion releases their full flavor into the skillet, forming a perfectly seasoned base for the sauce to come.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet, making sure to scrape in every last bit so nothing goes to waste.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Stir well and allow the beef and sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened into a glossy coating that hugs every morsel of meat. Trust me, the aroma at this stage will have everyone peeking into the kitchen.
Step 6: Toss Noodles and Finish
Add the drained noodles right into the skillet, tossing to coat them in all that irresistibly sticky sauce. Now, stir in most of the sliced green onions, saving a few for garnish. Give it all one last toss, then remove from the heat—your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds take this dish from delicious to downright stunning. The crunch and nutty aroma make every bite pop. Feel free to add a swirl of chili oil or sriracha if you’re craving extra heat.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with some quick-steamed broccoli, snap peas, or even blistered green beans—they add freshness and crunch. A crisp Asian cucumber salad or some pickled veggies on the side creates the ultimate flavor balance next to your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a casual dinner party, twirl the noodles neatly into bowls and top each with a little extra green onion, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime for a zesty twist. Or, serve family-style in a big wok or platter—let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge within two hours of cooking. Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe will stay fresh for up to three days—just enough time for round two (or even a midnight snack).
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Portion out cooled noodles and beef into freezer-safe containers or zippered bags. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy this favorite on-demand. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring those leftovers back to life, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, splashing in a couple tablespoons of water to help loosen the sauce and keep the noodles tender. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring occasionally, for a quick work lunch or fast dinner fix.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! While lo mein or spaghetti noodles are classic, you can also use udon, rice noodles, or even ramen. The key is to choose a noodle that holds up well to the thick, saucy coating of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and use gluten-free hoisin sauce and certified gluten-free noodles. You’ll get all the same fabulous flavors without the gluten.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully for a leaner twist. Even plant-based ground meat makes a great substitute, so everyone at the table can enjoy this powerhouse recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is mild as written, with just a hint of warmth from optional red pepper flakes. You can easily dial the spice level up or down to fit your tastes—just adjust the pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Go ahead and toss in additions like shelled edamame, baby spinach, snow peas, or bell pepper strips. Just sauté them quickly after browning the beef or steam separately, then stir them in as you toss everything together.
Final Thoughts
Take it from me: once you try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, you’ll want it in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s easy, speedy, and always earns rave reviews at the table. Give it a whirl—you might just discover your new weekday obsession!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender noodles with savory ground beef in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef in sesame oil until browned. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes. Pour over beef and simmer.
- Combine: Add noodles to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in green onions.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
