Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with weeknight dinners all over again with this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe! This dish is an irresistible tangle of saucy noodles and savory ground beef, all wrapped up in a glossy, sweet-salty Mongolian-style sauce that hits every craving. The best part? It’s lightning-fast, uses pantry staples, and tastes just as good (okay, better!) than your favorite takeout. Perfect for busy days or those “what can I even make?” nights, this recipe is about to be your new go-to for satisfying, flavor-packed meals you can whip up in under half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is easy to find but packs a punch in flavor, color, or texture. You’ll probably have most items on hand, and each one brings something special to the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe.
- Lean ground beef: Choose 80-90% lean for just the right balance of rich flavor and less grease; perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles: Both work wonders here—lo mein for that bouncy chew, spaghetti for easy weeknight swaps.
- Sesame oil: A splash brings a nutty, toasty undertone that instantly makes the dish taste authentically Asian-inspired.
- Garlic, minced: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but trust the process—it’s essential to giving the sauce its bold kick.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Just half a teaspoon lifts everything with vibrant brightness—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps the sauce punchy but not too salty; perfect for balancing all those flavors.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness smooths out the savory and makes the sauce beautifully glossy.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds depth and that iconic Mongolian-style stickiness with a hint of umami-rich sweetness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Your secret to luscious, clingy sauce that perfectly coats the beef and noodles.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adjusts the warmth and gives you control over just how much heat you want to add.
- Green onions, sliced: Sprinkle these on for a pop of freshness and color at the end.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Unassuming but essential—these finish the dish with crunch and a lovely visual touch.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package directions. Whether you choose lo mein or trusty spaghetti, aim for al dente so they hold up nicely in the sauce. Drain the noodles, give them a quick toss with a tiny bit of oil if you like (to prevent sticking), and set them aside. This gets our base prepped and ready to absorb all that saucy goodness later!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the noodles cook, grab your largest skillet or wok and heat it over medium. Crumble in the lean ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off—you want the dish flavorful but not greasy.
Step 3: Flavor Infusion—Sesame Oil, Garlic, and Ginger
Now comes the magic: drizzle the sesame oil over your cooked beef, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir everything around and let it sizzle for about 1 to 2 minutes, just until the aromas hit you. This step sets up the signature fragrance of the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Build That Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pour this deliciously glossy concoction directly into the beef mixture, stirring to combine so every bit of meat is coated.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the cornstarch with water to make a quick slurry (this prevents lumps), then stir it into the skillet. Keep the heat on medium and let everything bubble for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching as the sauce thickens up and becomes just the right consistency to coat your noodles.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked noodles into the skillet, using tongs or two big forks to toss everything together. The sauce will cling beautifully to each strand, and the aromas will let you know you’re on the homestretch. Give everything another minute or two to warm through, then get ready for the finishing touches.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything’s piping hot and glossy, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These add color, crunch, and a little burst of freshness that make the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! For this dish, sliced green onions and a shower of sesame seeds are classic, adding pop, crunch, and color. For even more zing, try a squeeze of fresh lime or a tiny sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a herby twist.
Side Dishes
Craving something more? Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp steamed broccoli, tender snow peas, or a fresh Asian slaw. Even simple cucumber slices marinated in rice vinegar make a cooling, crunchy counterpoint to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into a noodle bowl bar for a family dinner or party! Lay out toppings like extra scallions, peanuts, chili oil, and blanched veggies so everyone can customize their own bowl. For an elegant touch, serve the noodles in shallow bowls and use chopsticks for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The noodles absorb more flavor as they sit, making the next-day lunch extra tasty!
Freezing
If you want to freeze it, store the beef and sauce mixture separate from the cooked noodles for best results. Pack each in a freezer-proof container; they’ll keep up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a single serving in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or gently warm on the stove over medium, tossing until heated through. Don’t forget to toss in a few fresh green onions or sesame seeds to revive that just-cooked flavor!
FAQs
Can I make this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), gluten-free hoisin sauce, and use rice noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta. You’ll end up with all the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to add steamed broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots. Simply toss them in with the noodles at the end or sauté with the beef to sneak in extra color and nutrition.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Lean ground beef is the most convenient, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. Just be sure to season well and follow the same cooking steps. The sauce brings the signature flavor!
Do I have to use brown sugar?
Brown sugar adds authentic sweetness and a touch of molasses depth. If you’re watching sugar, feel free to substitute coconut sugar or a sugar-free brown sugar blend—it’ll still caramelize nicely in the sauce.
Can I double the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily for a big family or meal prep. Just use a large enough skillet or wok, and consider cooking noodles in batches so everything stays saucy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s fast, family-friendly, and bursting with crave-worthy flavor, you can’t go wrong with this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe. It’s a weeknight hero and perfect for sharing—so why not grab those pantry staples and give it a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with tender noodles in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour into the skillet.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine Everything: Add noodles to the skillet, toss until coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
