Craving a big bowl of slurp-worthy noodles packed with savory-sweet flavor and tender beef? Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the answer! This lightning-fast, weeknight-friendly recipe brings the irresistibly bold taste of classic Mongolian beef to your favorite noodles, all tossed together in a glossy, umami-rich sauce that clings to every strand. No takeout required — this dish balances sweet, salty, and a hint of heat, plus it’s incredibly satisfying and easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles plays a starring role, from the chewy noodles to the deeply flavorful sauce. Gather these everyday ingredients and you’ll be amazed at how they transform into a meal that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy without a fuss.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles (8 ounces): Choose whichever you have — lo mein for authentic texture or spaghetti for ultimate convenience, both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses the noodles with a nutty aroma and that signature Asian-inspired finish.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides hearty protein and savory depth, and browns up quickly for a perfect weeknight shortcut.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Adds punchy, aromatic flavor that wakes up the whole dish.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Offers a hint of warmth and brightness that keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): Brings the classic salty, umami-rich taste while keeping things from getting too salty.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Balances the soy sauce with a caramel note, giving you that signature Mongolian sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Boosts the complexity with a savory-sweet kick and a touch of tanginess.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it clings to every noodle and bite of beef.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Gives the whole dish a gentle heat if you love a bit of spice.
- Green onions, sliced (3): Adds crunch and a fresh pop of color that makes the whole bowl come alive.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Sprinkle these on for extra texture and visual flair — they make every serving feel special!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package directions. This gives you the perfect base for all those upcoming flavors. Once they’re tender but still have a bit of bite, drain and set them aside. Pro tip: Drizzle with a tiny splash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking while you finish the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Grab your largest skillet or a wok and heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, getting it deliciously browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, just drain it off — you want the beef juicy, not greasy!
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Now toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them with the beef for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma is simply irresistible, hinting at the layers of flavor to come.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
Whisk up your sauce by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and the cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Pour this mixture right into the pan with the beef. Stir well and let everything simmer together for two to three minutes. The sauce should thicken up and become sticky enough to cling to each meaty bite.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Serve
Add your cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until they’re fully coated with that glossy, fragrant sauce. If you’re in the mood for a spicy kick, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Finish off with a generous shower of sliced green onions and sesame seeds before digging in while it’s hot!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
Garnishes make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles pop both visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds satisfying crunch, while bright green onions offer fresh zip and a burst of color. If you like extra zing, a scatter of chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil never hurts!
Side Dishes
Pair this main dish with simple steamed broccoli, crisp snow peas, or sautéed bell peppers to add vibrant color and extra vegetables. For a heartier spread, fluffy white rice or a cold Asian-style cucumber salad are stellar companions that help balance the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Have some fun with presentation — try piling Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles high in individual noodle bowls for a bistro vibe, or serve family-style right from the skillet for cozy sharing. For parties, portion into mini takeout boxes with chopsticks for a playful twist that’s guaranteed to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a treat all over again! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as they rest, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than dinner did.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the noodles and beef mixture into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, a quick toss in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth helps revive the noodles without drying them out. The microwave also works, just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each to keep things even and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is fantastic with ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option, or even plant-based “beef” for a vegetarian twist — just keep an eye on the seasoning as lean meats may need a touch more sauce.
Is there a way to add more vegetables?
Definitely. You can toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or even julienned carrots. Stir-fry the veggies in the skillet after browning the beef, then add them back in with the noodles for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
What’s the best noodle to use?
Lo mein noodles are classic for this recipe, but regular spaghetti or even linguine work perfectly and soak up the sauce well. Rice noodles are another great gluten-free option for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
Can I make this dish less sweet?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce or add a splash more soy sauce to adjust the sweetness to your liking. The flexibility of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles means you can tailor it perfectly for your family’s taste.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You sure can! This dish reheats well, so you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Just follow the storage and reheating tips above for the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will absolutely fit the bill. It’s quick, flexible, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how fast this one disappears from your dinner table!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make recipe for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, combining savory ground beef with Asian-inspired flavors served over noodles. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Pour into skillet, simmer until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add noodles to skillet, toss to coat. Stir in red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers are great for meal prep and reheat well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
