Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

There's nothing like the sweet-savory aroma of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles filling your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe combines tender noodles, flavorful ground beef, and a luscious sauce with a perfect hint of garlic and ginger. It's a satisfying dish that's ideal for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve for any occasion.

this Recipe

The first time I made this dish, I was experimenting with a way to use up pantry staples like soy sauce and hoisin, along with some leftover ground beef. To my delight, this one-pan wonder became an instant hit with my family—and now, it's one of our go-to meals.

Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.

First, it's unbelievably quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need something fast but don't want to skimp on flavor.

Another reason to love it? It's budget-friendly. With simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and spaghetti (or any noodles you have on hand), this recipe feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.

The flavor combination is irresistible. The sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and umami, with notes of garlic and ginger elevating the dish to takeout-level deliciousness.

Lastly, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to swap proteins, experiment with different veggies, or use gluten-free noodles, it adapts effortlessly to your preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element plays a key role in creating a rich, balanced flavor profile.

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef works best, but you can use whatever you have. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• Noodles: Spaghetti is a fantastic base for this dish, but feel free to use lo mein, ramen, or even rice noodles. These soak up the sauce and add a comforting, hearty texture.
• Soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. It provides the savory backbone of the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: This sweet, rich sauce adds depth and authenticity. If you don’t have hoisin, you can use oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and brown sugar.
• Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are essential for that signature Mongolian flavor. If you're short on time, pre-minced versions work too.
• Cornstarch slurry: A mix of cornstarch and water helps thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

You’ll also need a large skillet or wok, a whisk for the sauce, and a big pot to cook the noodles.

How To Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Cooking this dish is as simple as can be. Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavorful dinner:

1. Cook the noodles: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your noodles and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat a drizzle of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once browned and fully cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, and a touch of brown sugar in a bowl, then pour it into the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan, followed by the noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.

In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a steaming plate of noodles ready to serve. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal!

Storage Options

This recipe is great for leftovers—if you have any! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely and use freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Switch up the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu are excellent substitutes for beef.
• Add veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap the noodles for gluten-free spaghetti or rice noodles.
• Lower-carb option: Try using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, veggie-packed version.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and tailor the dish to your taste!

Make tonight's dinner extra special with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and ease—all in one bowl. Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!

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