If you are craving a dish that combines rich, savory flavors with a comforting, noodly embrace, then you need to dive right into this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. It’s a dazzlingly simple yet utterly satisfying meal that brings tender ground beef cooked in a luscious, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, tossed with chewy noodles and a pop of fresh green onions. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. This recipe truly balances ease and excitement in one bowl, making it a must-try in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to create the authentic taste, inviting texture, and beautiful color contrast that Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is known for. Each component plays its part in building the multilayered flavors and mouthfeel you’ll fall in love with.
- Vegetable oil: For perfectly browning the beef and preventing sticking without overpowering the flavors.
- Ground beef: The hearty, soulful protein that forms the base of this dish with rich fat content for flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a little punch of pungency that elevates the sauce.
- Ground ginger: A warm, slightly spicy undertone to complement the garlic and create complexity.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Essential for that salty, umami backbone without being overly salty.
- Brown sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory and tangy notes.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet-savory richness that deepens the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Cornstarch: Key to thickening the sauce for that perfect clingy texture on the noodles.
- Beef broth: Gives the sauce a lush body and extra meaty flavor.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles: The tender, chewy base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Sliced green onions: For fresh bite and vibrant green color contrast.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A dash if you love a subtle heat kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the dish perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For an extra nutty touch and lovely garnish.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by boiling your choice of lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up the delicious sauce later. Don’t skip this step, as the texture of the noodles makes all the difference.
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 loses the pink color, breaking it up gently with your spoon. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy while retaining the rich flavor.
Step 3: Add aromatics
Mix in the minced garlic and ground ginger, sautéing for about a minute until everything smells fragrant and inviting. This step layers your dish with that signature mouthwatering aroma you want in a Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare and add the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth until completely smooth. Pour this luscious mixture into the skillet with the beef, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a delightful glaze that’ll hug every noodle and morsel of beef.
Step 5: Combine noodles and finish
Add your cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them thoroughly to make sure every strand is coated in that savory sweet sauce. Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little zing. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before plating.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like a little nuttiness and beautiful presentation. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe hot, straight from the pan, and watch everyone dive right in.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that add both visual appeal and bursts of freshness and crunch. You can also toss on some thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra aroma and heat balance.
Side Dishes
This meal shines on its own but pairs beautifully with lighter sides like steamed broccoli, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or some sautéed snap peas. These sides add a nice textural contrast and keep the meal balanced without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a large, beautiful bowl allowing everyone to dig in and customize with toppings like extra scallions, crushed peanuts, or even a splash of lime juice to brighten the dish. Or get fancy by plating individual portions with a side of pickled vegetables for an exciting flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but be aware the noodles might become a little softer upon thawing. To freeze, spread the noodles and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to loosen the sauce’s consistency and keep the noodles from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through and serve immediately for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef if you want a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time closely as poultry tends to cook faster and may need slightly different seasoning adjustments.
What type of noodles works best for this recipe?
Lo mein noodles are ideal because their chewiness holds up well with the sauce, but spaghetti noodles are a great alternative if you can’t find lo mein. Just avoid overcooking to keep that perfect al dente texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The classic Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is mild, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of chili oil if you crave some spice. It’s totally customizable based on your preference.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby bok choy can be tossed in with the beef for added texture, flavor, and color. Just add them after browning the beef and sauté until tender before adding the sauce.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a complete meal ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food meets bold Asian-inspired flavors sounds like your kind of meal, then this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. It’s quick, easy, and packed with layers of deliciousness that will satisfy every craving. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a bowl full of warmth and joy that only home-cooked noodles and perfectly seasoned ground beef can deliver.
Print
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
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring ground beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, served over tender lo mein or spaghetti noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines aromatic garlic, ginger, and a rich soy-based sauce with optional spicy heat and fresh green onions for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup beef broth
Noodles and Garnishes
- 8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.
- Simmer the sauce with beef: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the beef and sauce.
- Finish and season: Stir in the sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Serve the Mongolian ground beef noodles hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter protein option.
- For extra nutrition and color, toss in shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas when adding the garlic and ginger.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes as preferred.
