Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner: speedy, savory, and loaded with irresistible Asian-inspired flavors. Imagine tender noodles twirled up with caramelized ground beef, crisp carrots, and green onions, all enveloped in a sweet-and-salty Mongolian sauce that clings to every bite. This dish takes classic takeout vibes and makes it super approachable for home cooks—minimal prep, a short ingredient list, and big satisfying flavor in under thirty minutes. If you’re hunting for an easy meal that gets rave reviews every time, the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is destined to be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that each play an important part. From the hearty noodles and savory ground beef to the signature Mongolian sauce, every element adds layers of flavor and satisfying texture.
- Spaghetti or Lo Mein Noodles (12 ounces): Choose your favorite—either will soak up the sauce beautifully and provide the chewy, slurp-worthy base for your dish.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The star protein, lending a hearty, savory bite; you can opt for lean ground beef to cut back on excess fat.
- Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps to brown the beef evenly and adds a touch of richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must for that aromatic, mouth-watering flavor; mince fresh for the best results.
- Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Brings warmth and brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (½ cup): The umami backbone of the Mongolian sauce—using low-sodium keeps it from becoming overly salty.
- Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): Gives the sauce its signature sweet-and-sticky glaze; dark brown sugar will yield extra depth.
- Beef Broth or Water (¼ cup): Loosens the sauce and enhances the overall savory flavor; broth adds a bit more richness.
- Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons): Dials up that classic takeout flavor with a touch of tang and complexity.
- Cornstarch + Water Slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce so it wraps around every noodle.
- Shredded Carrots (1 cup): Bring color, texture, and a bit of natural sweetness; feel free to shred your own or use a bag of pre-shredded carrots.
- Green Onions (4, sliced): Add fresh, crisp bite and lovely green color both in the sauce and as garnish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a little gentle heat—add more or less to taste, or skip for a milder dish.
- Sesame Seeds: Beautiful and nutty, these finish the dish with an irresistible crunch and a pretty pop.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to boil, just as you would for classic pasta night. Toss in your spaghetti or lo mein noodles and cook them according to the package instructions—you want them al dente, with a slight bite. Drain the noodles well once they’re done, then set them aside. This step can be done while you’re prepping other ingredients, making multitasking a breeze!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat up a large skillet or a trusty wok over medium-high heat, then add your tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it sizzles. Let the beef brown for about 5 minutes—don’t rush this step, as those little caramelized bits at the bottom mean maximum flavor. Drain off any excess fat if needed to prevent the dish from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once your beef is golden and no longer pink, sprinkle in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them in and let them toast for about a minute—just until they’re lovely and fragrant. This infuses the oil and beef with incredible aroma and brings the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe to life.
Step 4: Make the Mongolian Sauce
Now, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), and hoisin sauce. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture bubble gently. At this point, it’ll smell just like your favorite takeout spot! Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring, and watch as the sauce thickens, becoming glossy and rich in about 2 minutes. This is the moment your kitchen will feel like an Asian bistro.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add the drained noodles back to the skillet, followed by the shredded carrots and most of the green onions (save a handful for garnish). Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure the savory-sweet sauce coats every twirl of noodles and tangle of veggies. Give it all another 1 to 2 minutes on the heat so the carrots soften slightly and the flavors meld.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with crushed red pepper flakes and a shower of sesame seeds. Give it a quick toss and then dive in! That’s it—dinner is on the table faster than delivery and packed with way more love.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing brings out the restaurant-worthy looks and adds another layer of flavor. I love finishing the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with a generous dusting of sliced green onions, a smattering of sesame seeds, and a few pinches of crushed red pepper flakes. For a little extra sparkle, a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil will make every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or crisp snap peas offer a lovely green contrast and a boost of nutrition. A fresh cucumber salad or some quick pickled vegetables can also add brightness and crunch to balance the rich flavors of your noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not go for a noodle bar? Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe family-style and let everyone top their bowls with extra garnishes, chili oil, or chopped peanuts. For a fun twist, pile the noodles into lettuce cups for an Asian-inspired wrap, or even fill steamed bao buns for a fusion snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up even more flavor overnight, making the next day’s lunch extra delicious! Just add a splash of water or broth before reheating to loosen them up if needed.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions if you need to plan ahead. Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For the best texture, eat within 1 month—thawed noodles may be softer but still just as tasty.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Alternatively, toss the noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat for a couple of minutes. This helps revive the sauce and keeps everything from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti and lo mein noodles are classic, you can use udon, rice noodles, or even ramen for a different texture. Just cook them according to their package directions and then follow the rest of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe as written.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you control the heat! The red pepper flakes are optional, so feel free to adjust or omit them. If you love spice, add some sriracha or chili crisp for a fiery kick.
Can I swap the beef for another protein?
Definitely. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is flexible—ground turkey or chicken make fantastic lighter substitutes. You could even try ground pork or a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian version.
How do I add more vegetables?
Bulk up your noodles by tossing in bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or baby spinach when you add the carrots and green onions. Just be sure to slice veggies thinly so they cook quickly and evenly.
What makes the sauce “Mongolian”?
While not strictly traditional, the sauce draws inspiration from Mongolian beef takeout dishes—think savory soy, sweet brown sugar, and tangy hoisin, all thickened to a perfect clingy glaze. That’s what gives the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe its signature appeal.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason families come back to this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe again and again. It’s easy, comforting, and always delivers crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you keep it weeknight-simple or dress it up for friends, I hope you’ll love every slurpy, saucy bite!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the savory flavors of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a delicious sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the noodles:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles
For the beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For garnish:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook beef: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil, add ground beef, cook until browned. Add garlic, ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Make sauce: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce. Simmer, add cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
- Combine: Add noodles, carrots, green onions to the beef mixture. Cook briefly to heat through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted
- Include bell peppers or broccoli for added veggies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
