If you’ve been on the hunt for a quick, supremely satisfying dinner that bursts with flavor and has a bit of a comforting, saucy kick, then this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with a sweet, savory sauce, all tossed together with noodles that soak up every bit of that sticky goodness. It’s the kind of dish that feels both homey and a little adventurous, perfect for weeknights when you want something easy yet utterly delicious. Once you try it, this recipe will surely become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe shines because of its simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients that each play an important role in creating that balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. From the fresh zing of garlic and ginger to the rich, caramelized notes from brown sugar and hoisin sauce, everything comes together beautifully to make a vibrant and satisfying meal.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite noodles: The ideal base that soaks up the sauce perfectly and adds the comforting element of a noodle bowl.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty texture and protein that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for browning the beef and helping all the flavors develop without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a warm, slightly spicy brightness that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the recipe that gives it that unmistakably savory umami flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that caramelizes with the soy sauce for that marvelous Mongolian flare.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to loosen the sauce and ensure everything combines smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings complexity and a subtle sweetness that deepens the overall sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency, coating the beef and noodles perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for a gentle heat that livens up the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted or plain, these give a nice nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you choose classic spaghetti or a different noodle, the key is to cook them until perfectly tender but still with a little bite. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up that irresistible sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s fully browned and deliciously caramelized, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, drain off any excess fat for a cleaner taste and healthier meal.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them around for about a minute, letting their aromas fill your kitchen. This step is crucial because it forms the fragrant backbone of your sauce and elevates the entire dish with fresh, zesty notes.
Step 4: Craft the Sauce
Now it’s time for the magic—add in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sugars to dissolve and the sauce to meld into a rich, glossy mixture. This is where the signature flavor of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe really starts to shine.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier. Keep stirring and cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to cling beautifully to every strand of beef and noodle. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now to infuse a gentle heat.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Finally, toss your cooked noodles directly into the skillet, gently mixing so that every noodle is coated in the luscious sauce. Let everything heat through for another minute or two, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and perfect warmth.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkle sliced green onions over your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe to add a fresh, slightly sharp contrast. Don’t forget a handful of sesame seeds—they provide a lovely nutty crunch and a beautiful visual accent that makes the dish pop.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or snap peas. The crisp veggies add a fresh, crunchy balance that contrasts the rich, saucy noodles. For a heartier meal, a side of fried rice or a light Asian-inspired salad brings even more texture and flavor to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro for a fresh herbaceous kick. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil before serving adds an irresistible layer of aroma. You could also turn it into a noodle bowl party by offering various toppings like shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, or pickled radish for friends and family to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it quickly before storing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time for busy days, freezing is an option. Pack the cooled noodles and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce and prevent dryness. Stir frequently until heated through and serve with fresh garnishes for that just-cooked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can swap in rice noodles, lo mein, or even egg noodles to suit your preference or what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is ground beef the only meat that works here?
Not at all! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork can be great alternatives and will all absorb the Mongolian-style sauce beautifully.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The recipe uses a modest amount of red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can easily increase or omit them based on your desired spice level. Adding fresh chili or hot sauce can also ramp up the heat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your noodles are gluten-free, such as rice or buckwheat noodles, to keep this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Definitely! The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe reheats well and makes for satisfying leftovers, perfect for packing lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about that perfect combo of tender noodles, savory-sweet sauce, and hearty ground beef that makes the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe a standout in any dinner rotation. It’s effortless to whip up, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a go—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender ground beef with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce served over your favorite noodles. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with vibrant garlic, ginger, and hoisin flavors, garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or your favorite noodles
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and discard any excess fat from the pan.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Season: Add red pepper flakes if you want a mild spicy kick, and stir well to distribute them evenly.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and beef mixture. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Transfer the noodles to plates or a large serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth but can be substituted with oyster sauce if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute spaghetti with gluten-free noodles and ensure hoisin and soy sauces are gluten-free.
- This recipe can also be made with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Cook noodles just until al dente to avoid mushy texture after tossing with sauce.
