If you’re craving a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that packs bold flavors, these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are just what you need. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, with juicy ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal — ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver for hectic evenings.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates an irresistible sauce.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins for endless variations.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 lb): Juicy and flavorful, it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Noodles (12 oz): Lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti all work well.
- Soy sauce (1/2 cup): Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must for that aromatic punch.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Green onions (4, chopped): For garnish and a fresh, mild onion taste.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Enhances the dish with a rich, nutty aroma.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For a hint of heat.
Optional Additions:
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
- Protein swaps: Try ground chicken, turkey, or tofu.
- Toppings: Sesame seeds, cilantro, or sriracha for extra spice.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Cook the Noodles: Boil your noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Add Noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet, mixing well to coat them in the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds or your preferred toppings.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Noodles
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a world of difference.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from turning mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding it to the beef and adjust sugar if needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Give everything room to cook evenly.
- Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
What to Serve with Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For an appetizer-style side.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich noodles.
- Steamed Dumplings: A perfect pairing for an Asian-inspired dinner spread.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work well.
What noodles are best? Lo mein or ramen are great choices, but spaghetti works in a pinch.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and use rice noodles.
How do I make it less salty? Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and dilute the sauce with more beef broth.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
- Veggie-Packed: Load it up with mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add honey and sriracha to the sauce.
- Peanut Twist: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Keto-Friendly: Use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles instead of wheat noodles.
Conclusion
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a game changer for quick, satisfying dinners. They’re packed with bold flavors, endlessly customizable, and easy to make — perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation. Try it out and let me know your favorite variations
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner. Savory ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, and a rich soy-based sauce, then tossed with tender noodles for a comforting dish that comes together in just 35 minutes. It’s a delicious fusion of Asian-inspired flavors, balanced with sweet, salty, and umami notes. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles like spaghetti or lo mein
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water slurry for thickening, if needed
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil your noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Add Noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet, mixing well to coat them in the sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds or your preferred toppings
Notes
- Noodle Options: You can use spaghetti, lo mein, ramen, or even rice noodles for this dish. Pick your favorite or what you have on hand!
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or baby spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Sauce Thickness: If you like a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water). Add it slowly and stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Spice Level: For a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prepping for lunch the next day.