If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and utterly comforting, then the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish combines tender, savory ground beef with perfectly cooked noodles, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and a slight hint of spice. It’s quick to prepare, packed with texture from fresh vegetables, and has that irresistible Asian-inspired flavor profile that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and inviting textures that make this dish shine. These staples are easy to find, and once you have them on hand, you can whip up this delicious meal any time.
- 12 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen): Choose your favorite noodle type as the base for this dish, ensuring a chewy and satisfying bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: The protein star that delivers hearty flavor and richness.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For cooking the beef evenly without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds bright and aromatic notes that awaken the palate.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated): Brings a lively, spicy warmth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides that essential salty depth and umami punch, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Contributes a mellow caramel sweetness that complements the soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds complexity and a touch of tangy sweetness to the mix.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce so it clings to every noodle and morsel of beef.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick of heat to brighten the dish.
- 4 green onions (sliced): Refreshing crunch and mild onion flavor for contrast.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds vibrant color and a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: A finishing touch that imparts a toasty, nutty aroma.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the noodles have a perfect bite and won’t become mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Brown it evenly until it’s fully cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish balanced and flavorful without being greasy.
Step 3: Add garlic and ginger
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté them with the meat for about one minute, just until fragrant. This step is essential as it infuses the beef with bright, aromatic notes that are signature to this dish.
Step 4: Stir in the sauces and spices
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce, then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir everything well, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic begins as the sauce starts melding together perfectly with the beef.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Pour in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. As the sauce thickens, it will beautifully coat every strand of noodle and piece of beef, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 6: Combine noodles and veggies
Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions directly into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the noodles in the savory sauce and blend in the fresh vegetables, adding a lovely crunch and color contrast.
Step 7: Finish with sesame oil and serve
Drizzle the sesame oil over the entire dish, stirring it in to impart its warm, nutty aroma. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe piping hot, and feel free to garnish with extra sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I love adding extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add a lovely texture contrast and a pop of freshness that balances the rich sauce beautifully. Some finely chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime can also elevate the dish with bright notes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a refreshing cucumber salad. The crunch and natural sweetness of these vegetables complement the deep flavors of the beef noodles perfectly without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends or family? Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried shallots. Or, try rolling the noodles up in large lettuce leaves for a fun lettuce wrap experience that’s both delicious and visually striking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles will soak up the sauce more as they rest, so when you’re ready to eat, just give them a quick stir and reheat gently.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to two months. To preserve texture, it’s best to freeze before combining the noodles with the sauce—freeze noodles and sauce separately if possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over medium heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up, ensuring your noodles are just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes if you prefer a leaner protein. Just keep in mind the cooking times are similar, but the flavor will be lighter, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but you can omit them entirely for a milder dish or increase the amount if you love more heat. It’s super easy to customize the spice level to your taste.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Lo mein noodles are traditional and work beautifully, but spaghetti or ramen noodles are excellent options too. The key is to cook them just until al dente so they hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added during the cooking process to boost nutrition and texture. Just add them after browning the beef and before the sauce so they cook through but remain crisp.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes cooking. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something fast but satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a delicious, hearty, and comforting meal to your rotation, you really can’t go wrong with the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s worth every single bite.
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-Inspired
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired stir fry combining tender ground beef, savory garlic and ginger, and a rich sauce made from soy, hoisin, and brown sugar. Tossed with noodles and fresh veggies like shredded carrots and green onions, it creates a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 12 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Veggies and Finishing
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef nicely.
- Combine Noodles and Veggies: Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the savory sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle sesame oil over the noodles and stir again to incorporate. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions for freshness.
Notes
- Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to increase vegetable content and add crunch.
- For a lower-carb alternative, swap regular noodles with shirataki noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether.
