If you love fast, bold, and seriously satisfying dinners, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Imagine tender noodles tangled with savory-sweet, garlicky ground beef, all slicked in an umami-loaded Mongolian sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that comforts on a chilly night but is easy enough for busy weeknights. Even better, it comes together in about 25 minutes, leaving you more time to savor those amazing flavors (and the compliments at the table!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple and accessible, but every ingredient makes the flavors sing. Each one brings its own unique taste, texture, or pop of color, turning effortless pantry staples into something crave-worthy.
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation; use 80/20 or 85/15 for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
- Wide Noodles: Lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work—choose your favorite, as they all soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a zingy punch that livens up the whole dish.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings essential warmth and a little extra kick, really making the sauce pop.
- Green Onions: They add brightness and crunch both cooked in and sprinkled on top for a tasty finish.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Savory depth with just enough salt; using low-sodium lets you control the seasoning.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of caramel sweetness balances the soy and makes that sauce irresistible.
- Hoisin Sauce: Thick and slightly sweet-savory, it ties the flavors together for that signature Mongolian twist.
- Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes: Adjustable heat—add more or less depending on your preferred spice level.
- Cornstarch: Just a little thickens the sauce, so it hugs every strand of noodle.
- Water: Helps loosen and blend the sauce, making it pourable and lush.
- Sesame Oil: Drizzled in at the end, it brings a gorgeous nutty fragrance that makes the dish really special.
- Vegetable Oil: The trusty base for sautéing your beef and aromatics.
- Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, fried shallots, and lime wedges add fun layers of crunch, color, and zing!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package directions. You want them just al dente so they hold up in the skillet later. Drain them well, then toss with a splash of oil or water to prevent sticking, and set aside while you move on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle away, breaking it up and letting it brown and crisp at the edges. Don’t rush—getting a good sear builds lots of meaty flavor. If there’s too much fat, spoon off the excess.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger
Push the browned beef to the outer edges of the pan. In the center, add your minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about a minute until ultra-fragrant, being careful not to let them burn. This quick step gives the dish a bright, aromatic backbone.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, water, cornstarch, and sriracha or red pepper flakes. Pour this powerful sauce mixture into the pan. Give everything a big stir so the beef is coated and the aromas start spilling out.
Step 5: Let the Sauce Thicken
Allow everything to simmer for a couple of minutes—watch as the sauce thickens, turns glossy, and clings to the beef. The cornstarch works like magic here, bringing all the flavors together in one luscious sauce.
Step 6: Toss In the Noodles and Finish
Add the cooked noodles straight into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything until the noodles are completely coated and glistening with sauce. Finish by drizzling in the sesame oil and stirring in most of the green onions. Save a handful for garnishing—it looks so inviting!
Step 7: Serve It Up
Dish out your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe while it’s still hot. Shower with remaining green onions and your pick of garnishes like sesame seeds or fried shallots. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a bright finish if you like that pop.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish can take this dish from homey to absolutely restaurant-worthy. A sprinkling of sesame seeds adds color and a savory crunch, while fried shallots give a welcome crispiness. Don’t forget fresh green onions and even a wedge of lime to brighten those deep, savory notes.
Side Dishes
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like simple sautéed bok choy, crunchy cucumber salad, or steamed edamame. For bigger gatherings, add some dumplings or a bright Asian-inspired slaw to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress this dish up in individual bowls topped with pickled veggies for a fun noodle bar night, or pile it high on a platter with tongs for a family-style centerpiece. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve over spiralized zucchini or alongside lettuce leaves for a light, playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers absolutely crave-worthy for lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, too! Cool completely, then pack into freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze the noodles and beef together after tossing so they soak up all that sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until hot. You can also microwave in short bursts, but stovetop keeps the noodles springy and not mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, creating a lighter but still flavorful result. Even ground pork brings a deeper richness if you like.
What noodles work best for this dish?
Wide lo mein or rice noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, but regular spaghetti makes a perfect substitute when you’re in a pinch. You can even try udon, soba, or spiralized veggie noodles for a twist.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is totally customizable. With just half a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes, it’s mild and family-friendly, but feel free to up the amount if you love things spicy—or leave it out for no heat at all.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli alongside the beef for added color, crunch, and nutrition. Just slice them thin so they cook quickly in the pan.
How can I meal prep this recipe?
You can easily cook the beef and prep the sauce ahead, then store them separately from the noodles in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat everything together, add the garnishes, and dinner is served in minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is my secret weapon for those nights when I want big flavor without the fuss. Quick, comforting, and endlessly adaptable—it never fails to get rave reviews in my home. Give it a try and let it work its magic for you, too!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and comforting dish with savory-sweet Mongolian-inspired sauce, tender ground beef, and noodles that soak up all the umami-packed flavor. It’s a weeknight win with bold taste and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
Noodles:
8 oz wide noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti)
Aromatics:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
4 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional Garnishes:
sesame seeds, fried shallots, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little oil or water. Set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push beef to the sides, sauté garlic and ginger in the center.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, water, cornstarch, and sriracha. Pour into skillet and simmer.
- Combine: Add noodles to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in sesame oil and green onions.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and other toppings.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Noodles can be substituted with udon, soba, or zoodles for low-carb options.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
