This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a quick and satisfying dinner packed with savory-sweet flavors and tender noodles coated in a rich sauce. Made with lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a silky sauce with hints of soy, hoisin, and ginger, it’s an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines the comfort of noodles with the bold flavors of Mongolian cuisine.
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a kick of spice from optional red pepper flakes. The noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, while the tender ground beef adds heartiness to this crowd-pleasing dish. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in no time.
Why Our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Are the Best
Our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles combine bold flavors with simple ingredients, making it an approachable yet delicious dish. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and spice, all topped with fresh green onions for a bright finish.
Ingredients Notes for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Each ingredient in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving its signature taste:
- 1 lb ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish flavorful but not greasy.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a fragrant aroma to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings the signature Mongolian sweetness.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Enhances the sauce with a rich, savory base.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: The foundation of the dish’s umami flavor; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: A touch of warmth and subtle spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Rounds out the flavor profile.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Adds heat for those who love a little spice.
- 10 oz linguine: A long pasta that holds the sauce beautifully; you can substitute spaghetti or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce to a glossy consistency.
- 4 green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, crisp garnish and vibrant color to the dish.
Ingredient Tip: To make this dish gluten-free, swap the soy sauce and hoisin sauce for gluten-free alternatives and use rice noodles instead of linguine.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet (for cooking the beef and sauce)
- Mixing bowls (for the cornstarch slurry)
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine (or your preferred pasta) according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Reduce the heat to medium.
3. Add Garlic and Aromatics
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for 2 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce until fully coated and allow them to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can infuse into the pasta.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the noodles for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!
How to Store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: While the dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Variations
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or julienned carrots for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Chicken or Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Rice Noodle Version: Replace the linguine with rice noodles for a gluten-free twist.
- Sweet and Nutty: Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for texture and flavor.
What to Serve With Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or green beans are excellent sides.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crisp salad with a light dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls for a fun appetizer pairing.
Top Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the noodles so they finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up more flavor.
- Use lean ground beef: This keeps the dish lighter and avoids excess grease.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry: It’s key for achieving a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Work quickly: Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking to keep the dish moving smoothly.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust seasoning to your liking (e.g., more soy sauce, sugar, or spice).
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Gordon Ramsay recommends browning ground beef thoroughly for maximum flavor before adding seasonings.
- Ming Tsai emphasizes the importance of using fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger for authentic Asian-inspired dishes.
- Nigella Lawson suggests tossing pasta directly in the sauce to ensure every strand is coated and infused with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork are great substitutes for ground beef.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. What noodles work best?
Linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles all work well. Use your favorite!
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine with cooked noodles when ready to serve.
5. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss the drained noodles with a small drizzle of sesame oil or olive oil if you’re not adding them to the sauce immediately.
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect quick and flavorful dinner that feels indulgent but is simple to make. With its bold flavors and versatility, this dish is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation!
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- – 5 cloves garlic minced
- – 1/3 cup brown sugar
- – 1/4 cup beef broth
- – 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium optional
- – 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- – 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- – 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- – Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- – 10 oz linguine or spaghetti, rice noodles for gluten-free
- – 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- – 2 tablespoons water
- – 4 green onions sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add Garlic and Sauce Ingredients: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans for a balanced meal. Alternatively, serve over rice instead of pasta for a different twist.
- Customizations: Adjust sweetness or spice by altering the brown sugar or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.