There’s something magical about a dish that comes together quickly yet delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is that dish—a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami goodness that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine tender beef coated in a rich, garlicky sauce, hugging every strand of slurp-worthy noodles. It’s comfort food at its best, and trust me, you’re going to want to make this on repeat.
Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner in a hurry or looking for something satisfying to cozy up with, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and oh-so-delicious. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works great with different types of noodles, proteins, and veggies. You can swap ingredients to match what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find, making it a perfect meal for saving money while enjoying rich flavors.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something fast but satisfying.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap the beef for chicken or tofu, or throw in extra veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish, adding rich, meaty flavor and a satisfying texture.
Noodles: Choose your favorite—lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti works beautifully.
Soy Sauce: The umami powerhouse that gives the dish its deep, savory taste.
Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance out the salty soy sauce.
Garlic & Ginger: The dynamic duo that infuses warmth and depth into every bite.
Green Onions: For a pop of freshness and mild oniony goodness.
Sesame Oil: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of nuttiness.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a little kick.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every noodle.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Noodles
Cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss them with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef
In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step unlocks those bold, irresistible flavors.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture into the pan with the beef, stirring well to coat everything.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them with the beef and sauce until evenly coated. Let everything simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and give it a final toss. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: Approximately 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra greens.
- Add a fried egg on top for a rich, silky finish.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
- Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick.
- Enjoy with a simple cucumber salad to balance the bold flavors.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Want a thicker sauce? Add a little more cornstarch mixed with water.
- Prefer it spicier? Double the red pepper flakes or add chili paste.
- Need a gluten-free version? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
- Boost the protein? Swap ground beef for sliced beef, chicken, or even shrimp.
- Make it vegetarian? Use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes! Lo mein, ramen, udon, or even spaghetti work well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish healthier? Use lean ground beef, swap brown sugar for honey, and add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but for best results, store the noodles and sauce separately, then combine when reheating.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water.
Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.
What other vegetables can I add? Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger? Yes! Fresh ginger adds a more vibrant flavor—use about 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger.
What’s a good substitute for soy sauce? Tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives for a gluten-free option.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen without any of the stress. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. So grab your chopsticks (or a fork—no judgment here) and dig in!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal. With tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet and garlicky soy sauce, this dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch slurry. Pour into the pan and stir well.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and green onions. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different variation.
- For extra veggies, add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg