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
Scale
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
