Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that’s guaranteed to win over the whole table, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Imagine glossy noodles tangled up with juicy beef, sweet and savory sauce, and a hint of garlic and ginger — all ready in about thirty minutes! This dish brings the irresistible flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen, and you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re a noodle lover or just in need of a simple, satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become a regular in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe truly special is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role, adding a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes the final dish shine.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti: These create the perfect chewy base to soak up all the savory sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the beef and keeps everything from sticking.
- Ground beef: The star of the show; go for lean or regular, depending on your preference for richness.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced, add bold aromatic flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- Fresh ginger: A teaspoon of grated ginger brings that signature warmth and zing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Makes the sauce deeply savory without overwhelming saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Packed for the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, it’s the secret to that classic Mongolian flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a complex, slightly tangy-sweet layer to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings luxuriously to the noodles.
- Beef broth or water: Adds moisture and a bit of richness to bring everything together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, sprinkle in to taste.
- Green onions: Sliced for freshness and a pop of color — don’t skip these!
- Sesame seeds: A simple garnish that adds crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. You want them just al dente so they stay pleasantly chewy when mixed with the sauce. Once they’re done, drain them well and set aside. This step can be done while you prepare the beef, making everything come together in a snap.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You’re looking for nicely browned bits — this gives the dish tons of flavor. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving to the next step. The aroma at this stage is already irresistible!
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them cook with the beef for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick sauté makes the kitchen smell amazing and infuses the meat with those classic Mongolian flavors.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef, then stir well to combine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens just a bit. You’ll see it get glossy and coat the beef beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Finish
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. At this point, stir in the sliced green onions and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give the noodles a final toss, and you’re ready to eat!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with a shower of sesame seeds and extra green onions. Not only do they add visual appeal, but they also bring a fresh crunch and a subtle nuttiness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This noodle dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try serving it with a crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed broccoli, or sautéed snap peas. These sides add brightness and a lovely contrast to the savory noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of chili oil. You can even try tucking them into lettuce wraps for a lighter, hand-held version. Presentation is half the joy, so have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the noodles cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days and make a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
While the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Freeze in single-serve portions for easy meals; just let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The noodles will soak up more sauce as they sit, so don’t be afraid to refresh them with a little extra liquid.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles or spaghetti work perfectly, rice noodles or even udon are great alternatives. Just aim for a noodle that can hold up to the hearty beef and sauce.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent swaps in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Both will absorb the bold flavors of the sauce beautifully while keeping things a bit lighter.
Is this dish very spicy?
Not at all — unless you add a generous amount of red pepper flakes! The heat level is totally customizable, so you can make it mild for the family or spicy for those who love a kick.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking. This is a great way to bulk up the meal and add extra nutrition.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles, and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Double-check your hoisin sauce, too — many brands offer gluten-free options.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough to serve to friends. Give it a try — I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender lo mein noodles are tossed with savory ground beef cooked in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and beef broth, accented by garlic, ginger, and green onions. This comforting meal is garnished with sesame seeds for a delightful finish and can be customized with additional vegetables or protein options.
Ingredients
Noodles and Meat
- 12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Flavorings and Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish and Extras
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the browned beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and aromatic.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth or water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce and heated through.
- Add final touches: Stir in sliced green onions and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for added heat and freshness. Mix well.
- Serve and garnish: Immediately plate the noodles and garnish with additional sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Add extra vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and crunch.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish or for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
