Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles); 1 lb ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry); 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds for garnish

There's something magical about the combination of tender noodles, savory beef, and a sticky-sweet Mongolian sauce. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a weeknight dream come true—quick, easy, and utterly satisfying.

I first made this dish when I was craving takeout but didn’t want to leave the house. With just a few pantry staples and ground beef in the freezer, I whipped up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes. It's since become a staple in our household, loved by both kids and adults alike.

Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a casual dinner with friends, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is guaranteed to please.

First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In just about 25 minutes, you can have a piping hot bowl of noodles on the table, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.

Second, the flavor is out of this world. The rich Mongolian sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, clings to every strand of noodle and piece of beef. It’s sweet, salty, and savory all at once.

Third, it’s budget-friendly. Using ground beef as the protein keeps costs low, and the rest of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry.

Finally, it’s highly versatile. You can customize the veggies, swap out the noodles, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. It’s one of those dishes you can truly make your own.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.

Ground Beef: The star of the show, ground beef adds a hearty, rich flavor. For best results, choose 85% lean beef. It has just enough fat to stay juicy but won’t make the dish greasy.
Soy Sauce: Both regular and low-sodium soy sauce work well. The soy sauce creates the salty base for the Mongolian sauce.
Brown Sugar: This is what gives the sauce its signature sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger add an aromatic depth that takes this dish to the next level. Don’t skip them!
Noodles: Any long noodle will do, but lo mein, spaghetti, or even fettuccine work best. Cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Cornstarch: A small amount thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency, ensuring it clings to every noodle.
Green Onions: These add a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish. Save some for garnish for a pop of color.

You’ll also need a large skillet or wok to bring everything together. Let’s move on to the fun part: cooking!

How To Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Cooking this dish is as easy as 1-2-3! Let me walk you through it step by step.

Cook the Noodles: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them with the beef and sauce until everything is well combined. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve immediately.

This entire process takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Transfer the noodles to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the noodles and warm them in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore the sauce's original consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some fun ways to change it up:

Swap the Protein: Don’t have ground beef? Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a burst of color and added nutrition.
Spice it Up: Like it hot? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Change the Noodles: Rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles make excellent substitutes.
Low-Carb Version: Replace the noodles with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a lighter twist.

Feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients—this dish is highly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe as a quick dinner or satisfying lunch. Once you try it, I’m sure it will find a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!