There's something irresistibly satisfying about a plate of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Imagine tender noodles coated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef and crisp veggies. It’s a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen, but in a quick, easy, and budget-friendly way.
I first discovered this recipe when experimenting with ways to jazz up a simple weeknight dinner. It quickly became a household favorite, thanks to its incredible flavor and minimal prep time. Now, it's the go-to when we’re craving comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe ticks all the boxes for a winning meal.
First, it’s unbelievably quick and easy to make. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a complete, flavorful meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Second, the flavors are outstanding. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar creates a savory-sweet sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, making every bite irresistible.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or use gluten-free noodles if needed, making it adaptable for all tastes and dietary needs.
Finally, it’s budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of pricier proteins makes this dish an affordable yet indulgent option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that signature taste.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal, as it’s flavorful but doesn’t overwhelm the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Soy Sauce: This forms the base of the sauce. Use a low-sodium version if you prefer to control the saltiness, or tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar: The sweetness balances the savory flavors of the soy sauce and beef. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger add depth and warmth to the sauce. Don’t skimp on these – they’re key to authentic flavor.
- Noodles: Lo mein, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles work wonderfully here. Their chewy texture pairs beautifully with the sauce and beef.
- Vegetables: Crisp veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas not only add color but also a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors.
No special equipment is needed, just a large skillet or wok and a pot for boiling noodles. A grater for the ginger can be handy, but a knife works just as well.
How To Make This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Creating this delicious dish is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner everyone will love.
- Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling your noodles in a pot of salted water. Cook them according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. Drizzle with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of water or beef broth. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in your chopped vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they’re tender-crisp. This keeps their vibrant color and crunch intact.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and the beef and veggies are evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and texture. Serve hot and enjoy!
This entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or last-minute meal.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are just as delicious as the freshly made dish. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freeze: While the noodles may soften slightly after freezing, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors. You can also use the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative instead of ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or sliced chilies for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari in the sauce and swap the noodles for a gluten-free alternative.
- Veggie-Packed: Double the amount of vegetables, or try adding broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Low-Carb: Replace the noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly version.
Experiment with these ideas, or mix and match based on what you have on hand. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility – no two batches need to be exactly the same!
Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and comforting Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this dish delivers on all fronts. Give it a try tonight!
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe is a delicious fusion of tender beef, savory sauce, and hearty noodles. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Mix to coat evenly.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra veggies, toss in sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
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