Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight, look no further than this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Combining tender ground beef with a luscious soy-based sauce, tender noodles, and a delightful hint of ginger and garlic, this dish wraps all those familiar Asian-inspired tastes into one bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers comforting noodles that are irresistibly delicious and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, you’ll rely on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to balance the savory, sweet, and spicy notes while keeping the dish colorful and satisfying.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti: These provide the perfect tender base that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that adds rich, meaty depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Gives a wonderfully nutty aroma and enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with pungent, aromatic intensity.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami richness without overpowering the palate.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance savory notes.
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water: Helps create a silky sauce that coats every noodle strand.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional): Boosts complexity and smoothness with a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Thickens the sauce perfectly for a luscious finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle peppery bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: For a crisp, fresh contrast and a pop of color.
- 4 green onions (sliced): Brightens the dish with mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty finishing touch.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re just tender—not overcooked—so they can hold up when tossed in the rich sauce later. Drain and set them aside, keeping them warm while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil, which will give the beef a lovely nutty flavor. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from getting greasy. This step makes sure you get that savory, meaty foundation for your dish.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about a minute until it’s fragrant and has taken on a little golden color. This awakens the flavors and sets the stage for the delicious sauce to come.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce if you’re using it. Pour this savory-sweet blend over the cooked beef and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer to let the flavors meld wonderfully.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, watching as the sauce thickens up beautifully in just a few minutes. This silky consistency is what makes every bite of noodle so luscious and satisfying.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Veggies
Add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots to that thickened sauce and beef mixture. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are completely coated in the sauce and the carrots get just the right amount of warmth while staying a bit crisp. Cook for an additional minute or two, then remove from heat.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the top for vibrant color and a little textural contrast. This is your moment to admire the simple but elegant masterpiece that is this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like sliced green onions and sesame seeds add fresh brightness and delightful crunch, elevating the dish from great to unforgettable. A few extra chili flakes or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving can also enhance the aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, which provide a crisp and healthy complement to the noodles’ rich sauce. A simple cucumber salad or light Asian slaw on the side will add refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in small bowls topped with a fried egg or some crushed peanuts for extra texture. You can also stuff the beef and noodles into lettuce cups for a handheld delight or serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce, so it’s best to stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating to refresh the texture.
Freezing
While not ideal for freezing due to the noodles’ texture, you can freeze just the cooked ground beef with sauce. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before combining with fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a little broth or water helps restore the sauce’s consistency and prevents the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent leaner alternatives that work well with the sauce and noodles, allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences while keeping it delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth, you can enjoy a fantastic vegan version of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
What types of noodles work best for this recipe?
Traditional lo mein noodles are the perfect choice for authenticity, but spaghetti or other long noodles like linguine or rice noodles can be great substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in broccoli florets, snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase the veggie count and add different textures and flavors. Just add them during the sauce simmering step for the best results.
How spicy is this recipe and can I adjust it?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less, or swap it out for fresh chili slices or chili paste depending on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is truly a weeknight winner that combines simplicity with incredible flavor and texture. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to comfort meal, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Go ahead and give it a whirl — I promise it will become one of your new favorites!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish combining tender lo mein noodles with savory ground beef cooked in a rich soy-based sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for richness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce if you choose to use it. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely.
- Combine Noodles and Vegetables: Add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots to the skillet. Toss everything well to evenly coat the noodles in the sauce and to distribute the carrots.
- Finish and Garnish: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until all ingredients are heated through. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry gradually while simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
