If you’re craving bold Asian-inspired comfort food that’s lightning quick but packs all the flavor of a weekend feast, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is your new dinner hero. This dish takes silky noodles, savory browned beef, a tangle of green onions, and a lush sweet-salty sauce tied together with hints of ginger and garlic. In just 25 minutes, you get a bowl that feels both satisfying and a bit indulgent—exactly what you need for busy weeknights or when you simply want something delicious and cozy, fast. Once you bring Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to your table, it will absolutely become a regular in your repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how easily its simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Every item on this list has an important role, from creating deep umami notes to adding pops of color and crunch.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): These form the slurpable backbone of the dish; choose what you have for that noodle fix.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein, providing juicy, savory goodness in every bite.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtly nutty aroma, elevating the overall flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Essential for that classic, mouthwatering depth.
- Fresh ginger, minced (1 tablespoon): Adds warmth and a little zing (pro tip: freeze ginger and grate with a microplane!).
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): The base of your sweet-salty sauce; go for low-sodium to keep things balanced.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Balances the salty soy with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Offers complexity and a hint of richness to the mix.
- Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (1 tablespoon): This quick slurry makes the sauce glossy and irresistible.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like the tiniest flicker of heat.
- Green onions, sliced (4): Bright green freshness and crunch to finish things off.
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (1 tablespoon): A final nutty pop that really ties the dish together.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles following the package directions. Whether you go with classic lo mein or spaghetti, get them just to that perfect al dente state, then drain and set aside. This way, they’ll be ready and waiting to soak up all that amazing sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat your sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is nicely browned—don’t forget to drain off any excess fat for a lighter finish!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Once your beef is golden and juicy, sprinkle in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for just about a minute until everything turns fragrant and irresistible—this is where the magic starts, trust me.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in your soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir everything together, letting it bubble gently and infuse the meat. This is where Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles develop their signature sweet-salty cloak.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Add your cornstarch and water slurry (just whisk them together in a small bowl first), and if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring often, just until that sauce goes glossy and thick enough to hug every strand of noodle.
Step 6: Toss Noodles & Finish
Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet and use tongs to toss everything together. Make sure each bite gets coated in that glossy, rich sauce. Right at the end, stir in your green onions and take the pan off the heat. That’s it—you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference: scatter a generous handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top for nutty crunch, and add an extra sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions for brightness and color. If you love heat, now’s the time for another pinch of red pepper flakes!
Side Dishes
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles shine all on their own, but they also love good company! Pair them with simple steamed broccoli, crispy snow peas, or a side salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. These fresh accents help balance out the dish’s savory depth—plus, more veggies never hurt.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, serve your noodles in big family-style bowls for that tangle-and-share vibe, or twirl individual portions into tidy nests on plates for a more elegant take. For a pop of color, dot your bowls with shredded carrots or a few lightly steamed snap peas right before serving. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are versatile enough for both casual weeknights and dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a dream for busy days. Let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will keep fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up more sauce overnight, making leftovers even saucier and more flavorful!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, you can freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out extra air. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—ideal for prepping ahead or saving single servings for packed lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to help loosen the sauce. Stir well before serving to ensure the noodles are evenly coated and just as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles give that classic texture, spaghetti, linguine, or even udon work beautifully in this dish. Just aim for something long and sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce.
How can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free?
You can easily swap in gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce and use a gluten-free noodle of your choice. Double-check your hoisin sauce too, as some brands are not gluten-free!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Toss in steamed broccoli, julienned carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra crunch and nutrition. Just sauté or steam them briefly, then fold them in with the noodles.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles work well for a lighter—or vegetarian—twist on Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. The sauce is delicious with almost any protein!
Is this dish spicy?
By default, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are more sweet and savory than spicy. The red pepper flakes are completely optional, so you’re in total control of the heat level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s comforting, quick, and packed with crave-worthy flavors, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will not disappoint. Give it a try the next time you want an easy crowd-pleaser, and I promise it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. Tender lo mein noodles are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet Mongolian beef sauce with ground beef, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Ingredients
Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- Sauté Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef in sesame oil until browned. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Combine: Toss cooked noodles in the sauce. Add green onions.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Notes
- Leaner Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Extra Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, snow peas, or shredded carrots for more texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
