The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce made from ground beef, garlic, ginger, and that irresistible combination of soy sauce and brown sugar. It’s a dish that brings together bold Asian-inspired flavors with the comfort of a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen rotation because it’s simple, fast, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with purpose, each playing a vital role in building the bold flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable. From the hearty ground beef that adds protein and depth, to the soy sauce and brown sugar balance of salty and sweet, every element is carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite noodles: Choose noodles that absorb sauce well for the best texture.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base and hearty texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The key salty umami flavor that defines the sauce.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a slightly tangy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to coat the noodles beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of spicy heat.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish): Offers freshness and color to the final dish.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing your noodles according to the package instructions. This is your foundation—al dente is perfect because the noodles will continue to soak up the rich sauce later. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to join the beef and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s thoroughly browned and broken into small pieces, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a meaty, flavorful base for the sauce. Once cooked, skim off any excess fat to keep the dish balanced.
Step 3: Build the Aromatics and Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir constantly for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. Then pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus water) into the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce quickly becomes glossy and thick enough to cling to every bite of noodle. This step is what makes this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so irresistibly saucy.
Step 5: Add a Kick and Combine
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Then toss the cooked noodles into the skillet, stirring well so every strand is generously coated in that savory sauce. Heat everything together for another minute or two to marry the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, transfer your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to serving plates. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add a fresh, crunchy contrast that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Then dig in while it’s hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic finishing touches that brighten the dish. You might also consider a drizzle of chili oil or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh cilantro can also add a lovely herbal note if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serve these noodles alongside steamed or stir-fried veggies like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas to add crunch and freshness. A simple cucumber salad works wonderfully to cool the palate, balancing the savory richness of the beef and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a fried egg for extra protein and richness. Alternatively, they make a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps, offering a hands-on dinner experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some more sauce as they sit, becoming even more flavorful. Just give them a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, it’s ideal to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles. Freeze the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Heating in the microwave works well too—just cover to retain moisture and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a convenient choice, feel free to experiment with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even udon. The sauce is versatile and clings beautifully to a variety of noodle types.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but they’re optional. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference or omit them altogether for a mild dish.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, because traditional soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your noodles are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply cook the noodles fresh when ready to eat. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy and makes mealtime quicker.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with a perfect balance of savory and sweet, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve for guests. Flip on your stove, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin. Served over perfectly cooked noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or your favorite noodles
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot but not smoking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove Excess Fat: Carefully drain or spoon off excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness in the dish.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add Spice: Mix in the red pepper flakes to add a mild heat. Adjust quantity to your personal taste preference.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the rich sauce. Heat together for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the noodles and beef mixture to serving plates or a large dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any noodles like udon, egg noodles, or rice noodles for variations.
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the noodles and fresh garnishes.
