If you are craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and delivers big on taste, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender lo mein noodles or spaghetti coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, mingling perfectly with juicy ground beef infused with garlic and ginger. It’s comfort food with an Asian twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and a burst of umami that will have you coming back for seconds and impressing friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the dish taste far more complex than the effort suggests.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti: Use lo mein for the authentic texture or spaghetti as a convenient substitute.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances every bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein star of this dish, offering rich flavor and hearty texture.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings sharp, fragrant notes that awaken the palate.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds a subtle warmth and brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all flavors together.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Provides a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds depth and a touch of tangy complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that irresistible glaze.
- 1/2 cup water: Balances consistency and helps the sauce simmer smoothly.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- 3 green onions (sliced): For freshness and a crisp onion bite as garnish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. This step is key because the noodles need to hold up under the rich sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside so they’re ready to be tossed later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Breaking it apart as it cooks encourages even browning, which develops flavor and texture. Cook until browned through and no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease to keep the dish balanced and not overly oily.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
To that caramelized beef, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them around for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. This step layers in those essential flavors that make this dish so mouthwatering.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water. This sauce mixture is the magic behind the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe—creating a savory-sweet glaze that clings to every strand of noodle and morsel of beef.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce into the skillet with your beef and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and achieves that perfect glossy finish. This simmering melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Toss the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and toss everything together so the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re a fan of a little heat, this is the moment to stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. After everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finishing touches like sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds transform this dish from simple to special. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe hot, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish so it looks as fantastic as it tastes. Sliced green onions bring brightness and crunch, while sesame seeds add a delicate nuttiness and subtle texture contrast. Both are optional, but they’re what make the finish really pop and give each bowl a beautiful, restaurant-quality touch.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with crisp, light sides. Try a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing or steamed broccoli to add freshness and color. For something a bit heartier, roasted or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas work perfectly by boosting both nutrition and visual appeal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft boiled egg or crushed peanuts for extra richness and crunch. Wrapping the noodles in lettuce leaves makes for a fun, handheld experience perfect for casual gatherings. Adding fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also add a new dimension that’s surprisingly delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners. Just be sure to store the garnish separately if possible so the green onions and sesame seeds stay fresh.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the beef sauce and noodles separately if you plan to store them for longer than a week. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This careful reheating keeps the dish tasty and satisfying even after a day or two.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter version of this dish. Just be mindful that the cooking time might be slightly shorter, and the flavor will be a bit milder, so you might want to adjust seasonings accordingly.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Lo mein or yakisoba noodles are ideal for achieving the authentic texture and flavor, but if those aren’t available, good-quality spaghetti works just fine. Just be sure not to overcook them so they retain some bite when mixed with the sauce.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?
Not at all! The crushed red pepper flakes are entirely optional and just add a bit of spicy heat. You can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish, especially if cooking for kids or people who are sensitive to spice.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to make this dish even healthier and more colorful. Sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or snap peas all blend nicely with the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Add them right after the garlic and ginger to keep their crunch and freshness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti, and be sure to choose tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This way, you can still enjoy all the great flavors without worry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough for weeknights, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of those go-to meals everyone loves to share and revisit again and again.
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 features tender lo mein noodles tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made from soy, brown sugar, and hoisin, combined with flavorful ground beef and aromatic garlic and ginger. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian-inspired touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger directly into the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce and beef mixture. If desired, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a veggie boost, add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or shredded carrots to the skillet with the beef.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
- Lo mein or yakisoba noodles provide the best texture, but spaghetti is a convenient substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
