Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

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This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a weeknight dinner hero—bold, savory, and ready in just 25 minutes. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mash-up: tender noodles, juicy ground beef, and a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. Inspired by classic Mongolian beef, this version swaps in budget-friendly ground beef for an easy, satisfying twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
  • Big on Flavor: Sweet, savory, garlicky, and just a little spicy (if you want it).
  • Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and pantry staples keep it affordable without sacrificing taste.
  • Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.

Step 6: Toss with Noodles

  • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat them in the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Use the Right Noodles: Lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti, fettuccine, or even ramen work well. For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles.
  • Don’t Skip the Garlic and Ginger: These two ingredients are the flavor backbone of the dish—fresh is best!
  • Thicken the Sauce: The cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce clings to every strand of noodle and bite of beef.
  • Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the brown sugar or soy sauce to your taste.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Fast and Fuss-Free
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when time is tight but you still want something delicious.

2. Pantry Staples Shine
Most of the ingredients—soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—are likely already in your kitchen.

3. Big, Bold Flavors
The combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors creates a sauce that’s irresistible.

4. Versatile and Adaptable
Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Variations and Add-Ins

1. Veggie Boost

  • Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

2. Swap the Protein

  • Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option. Tofu works great for a vegetarian version.

3. Spice It Up

  • Add more red pepper flakes, a drizzle of Sriracha, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

4. Make It Gluten-Free

  • Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap in gluten-free noodles.

5. Extra Garnishes

  • Top with crispy fried onions, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chili oil for added texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or green beans make great sides.
  • Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: A crispy appetizer to complement the noodles.
  • Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy side dish to balance the richness.
  • Hot and Sour Soup: A comforting starter to round out the meal.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

  • Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep the noodles from becoming too soft.

Make-Ahead Tip

  • Prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, brown the beef, cook the noodles, and toss everything together.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 bowl

  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 22g

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

1. Better Than Takeout
Skip the delivery fees—this dish is just as flavorful and way more affordable.

2. Family-Friendly
Kids love the sweet-savory sauce, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.

3. Endless Customization
Whether you’re adding veggies, switching up the protein, or cranking up the spice, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal. It’s bold, flavorful, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Serve it up with your favorite sides, or enjoy it as a one-bowl wonder—it’s a guaranteed hit every time.

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