If you adore the rich flavors and comforting textures of noodle dishes, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. It perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a touch of spice, all wrapped up in tender noodles and saucy, flavorful ground beef. This dish comes together quickly, making it a weeknight hero that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction. You’ll love how the fresh ginger and garlic elevate the umami-packed sauce while the green onions and sesame seeds add the perfect finishing touch. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role, lending unique flavor, texture, or color to make this dish pop with authenticity and deliciousness.
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type to soak up the rich sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a satisfying chew.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that’s signature to many Asian dishes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory fragrance and depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Brightens the dish with a fresh, slightly spicy zing.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances saltiness with a gentle caramel sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds complexity with its sweet and tangy notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to nicely coat every noodle strand.
- ½ cup beef broth or water: Helps create a luscious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional): Gives a subtle tartness to lift the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces just a hint of heat if you like a bit of kick.
- 3 green onions, sliced: For a fresh, crisp finish and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted seeds add texture and an extra nutty pop.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. This step is straightforward but crucial since the noodles will soak up all the delicious sauce later. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to keep them from sticking while you prepare the beef mixture.
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 cook until it turns a beautiful golden-brown color. Break it apart with your spatula so it cooks evenly and has plenty of surface area to soak up the flavors. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger straight to the browned beef. Stir them together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the kitchen is filled with that inviting, irresistible aroma. These aromatics build the foundation for the unforgettable flavor profile that defines this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), and rice vinegar if you’re using it. Pour this glossy mixture over the beef and stir well. Let it come to a simmer as it thickens into a luscious, sticky sauce that will cling deliciously to every noodle strand and morsel of beef. This step transforms the simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Beef
Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated in that rich sauce and heated through. Give it a quick toss and heat it for another minute or two to marry all the flavors perfectly. Now your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving. These garnishes add a fresh crunch and beautiful visual contrast that make the dish feel as wonderful to eat as it tastes.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and sesame seeds not only brighten the dish visually but also add layers of flavor and texture. For a little extra flair, you can add thinly sliced red chili, a drizzle of extra sesame oil, or a handful of chopped cilantro for herbal freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots. A simple cucumber salad or even a crisp Asian-style slaw can add a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory noodles. If you want to keep things simple, a bowl of miso soup also complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in shallow bowls for an inviting presentation that’s easy to eat. For a fun twist, pile the noodles in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that adds a crisp texture. Adding a soft-boiled egg on top can make the meal feel a bit more indulgent and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, so leftovers taste just as good, if not better!
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you thaw and reheat, keep in mind that noodle texture might soften a bit, so it’s best to enjoy within this timeframe for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This method keeps the noodles from sticking and helps revive the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter version of this recipe. Just follow the same cooking steps, but keep an eye on the cooking time as poultry can cook a bit faster than beef.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles. This keeps all the amazing flavors without compromising your dietary needs.
How spicy is this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
The base recipe is mildly spiced, but if you love heat, adding the optional red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil will give it a nice kick. You can customize it to suit your spice tolerance perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, shredded carrots, or bell peppers make excellent additions that add crunch, color, and extra nutrients. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp-tender.
What type of noodles works best for this recipe?
Lo mein or ramen noodles are traditional choices and great for soaking up the sauce, but spaghetti or any thin wheat noodle can work in a pinch. Just choose what you enjoy most, and cook them according to package instructions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe that makes it a go-to in my kitchen. It’s quick, requires everyday ingredients, and fills your room with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re cooking for your household or serving hungry guests, this dish delivers bold flavors and comforting goodness every single time. Give it a try and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by how simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable meal.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe combines tender noodles with savory ground beef cooked in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a perfect balance of soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar, this quick stovetop meal comes together in just 25 minutes. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a satisfying main course perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them in the thickened sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari and gluten-free noodles.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to drain excess grease for a less greasy dish.
