If you’re craving an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that brings takeout vibes to your very own kitchen, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are about to become your new best friend. This irresistible dish combines tender noodles and savory ground beef in a glossy, sweet and salty sauce that’s loaded with garlic, ginger, and a touch of hoisin magic. Quick to make, comforting, and bursting with that classic Asian-inspired taste, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll want to put on repeat all month long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures. Every element brings something special to the table, so don’t skip a thing!
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): These are the base of the dish, soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein – choose lean for easier draining, or regular for richer flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil sets the flavor foundation right from the start.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic brings zing and a delicious aromatic quality.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that signature punch you love in Asian dishes.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): Balances salty umami flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and helps create that classic glossy Mongolian-style sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): For depth, a subtle tang, and a hint of sweetness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to the noodles and beef.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just enough to add a background kick without overpowering the dish.
- Green onions, sliced (4 stalks): For color, crunch, and their irresistible mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional): Add a nutty crunch and a pretty finish when sprinkled before serving.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a generous pot of water to a boil. Drop in your lo mein or spaghetti noodles and cook them according to the package directions until just tender. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. This step sets you up for slurpable perfection later, so don’t overcook!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, working it until no pink remains and the meat is beautifully browned. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and carefully drain most of it away to keep your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles just the right amount of rich.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the beef to the side and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them sizzle and release their incredible fragrance for about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t rush this part – those golden bits will infuse the entire dish with big, bold flavor.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Add in the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and (if you like a little heat) the red pepper flakes. Stir it all together with the beef, and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce begin to bubble and develop that classic Mongolian sheen.
Step 5: Thicken, Toss, and Finish
Pour in your cornstarch slurry (that’s the cornstarch dissolved in water) and stir as the sauce thickens up, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the cooked noodles, tossing well to coat every strand. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top and stir for another minute, just until everything is piping hot and deliciously combined. For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle on sesame seeds (totally optional, but lovely!). Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles while they’re steaming and glossy.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, fresh green onion slices and a good handful of sesame seeds take your bowl from everyday to eye-catching. If you love extra crunch, throw on some crispy fried shallots or a few ribbons of raw carrot for color and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with a bright, garlicky sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or even a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal. The savory-sweet flavors of the main dish play beautifully with light, crunchy veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Get fun and pile your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles into small individual bowls for meal prep or entertaining. Top each portion with different toppings – think chili crisp, pickled veggies, or a sunny-side-up egg for extra richness and wow factor. They’re also perfect in lettuce cups for a crisp, hand-held twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (you lucky duck!), Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles continue to soak up the sauce, making each bite just as flavorful the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for future quick meals. Let the noodles and beef cool completely, then pack them into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. For best texture, freeze immediately after cooking rather than after refrigerating leftovers.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce evenly distributed, and they’ll taste as fresh as day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! While lo mein or spaghetti are my favorites for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you can swap in rice noodles, udon, or even linguine. Just keep an eye on cooking times for best results.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can customize the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or topping with your favorite chili sauce if you love it fiery. It’s totally adaptable to your spice level!
Are there any good veggie add-ins?
Absolutely. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles welcome stir-fried bell peppers, julienned carrots, snap peas, or baby spinach. Just add them to the pan with the beef, and they’ll soak up that tasty sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, check your hoisin sauce label, and opt for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. You’ll still get all the signature Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles flavor without the gluten.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken make fantastic leaner substitutes, and you could even try ground pork for a slightly different flavor. The key is to brown your protein well for maximum taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying and fuss-free as a big bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. They’re quick, packed with bold flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your own twist. If you’re looking for a tasty dinner that feels like a little indulgence and a lot of comfort, give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender noodles coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce with flavorful ground beef, garlic, and ginger, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
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 mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef in sesame oil until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Combine and Garnish: Toss noodles in the sauce, add green onions, heat through. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
