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Craving a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s ready in minutes? Say hello to the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe—a quick and easy dinner that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender beef infused with a sweet and savory Mongolian sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles, and topped with fresh green onions for an irresistible finish.
Did you know that Mongolian beef is not actually from Mongolia? This popular dish originated from American-Chinese cuisine and is inspired by traditional stir-fry techniques. Now, we’re taking that same delicious concept and turning it into a fuss-free, one-pan meal with ground beef for extra convenience.
If you enjoy dishes like Cajun Shrimp Pasta or Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, you’ll love this simple and affordable recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something hearty yet effortless. Let’s dive in and create this tasty masterpiece!
What is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Ever wondered why it’s called Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe? Spoiler alert: It has nothing to do with Mongolia! This dish takes inspiration from the famous Mongolian beef stir-fry, known for its rich garlic-ginger-soy sauce blend that’s simply irresistible.
Why ground beef? Because it’s a budget-friendly alternative to steak, cooks in a fraction of the time, and absorbs flavors like a dream. Plus, as they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dish certainly knows how to win hearts!
So, are you ready to whip up a meal that’s guaranteed to impress? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Fast & Easy: You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef instead of steak cuts costs without compromising on flavor. Plus, you likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry!
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
If you enjoy Asian-inspired dishes, you’ll love our Easy Korean Ground Beef Bowl. This quick and flavorful meal combines savory ground beef with aromatic spices, making it a perfect complement to your culinary repertoire.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Quick Overview
This dish is simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The magic happens with the sauce—a delightful mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, which coats the beef and noodles beautifully. With just one pan and 25 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to serve.
For a versatile condiment to elevate your meals, try our Bang Bang Sauce, a sweet and spicy addition that enhances various dishes.
Key Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Ground beef – 1 lb (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- Noodles – 8 oz (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- Soy sauce – ½ cup (low-sodium recommended)
- Brown sugar – ¼ cup (adds the signature sweetness)
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tbsp, grated
- Cornstarch – 1 tbsp (to thicken the sauce)
- Beef broth – ½ cup (for added depth)
- Sesame oil – 1 tbsp (for authentic Asian flavor)
- Green onions – ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch.
- Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring until thickened.
- Toss in the cooked noodles, making sure everything is well coated.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions, and serve hot!
What to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe With
- Steamed broccoli – for added greens
- Cucumber salad – to balance the richness
- Egg rolls – for a fun takeout-style meal
- Iced green tea – a refreshing drink pairing
Top Tips for Perfecting Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – they should be slightly firm to absorb the sauce better.
- For extra heat, add Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Want a thicker sauce? Increase the cornstarch slightly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 8 oz 225g noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef into small crumbles using a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the aromatics by stirring in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Mongolian sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl until well combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up.
- Toss in the cooked noodles, gently mixing them with the beef and sauce to ensure even coating. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Finish with sesame oil for added depth of flavor, then garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) for a touch of heat.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this delicious, quick, and satisfying dish!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different protein? Yes! Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
2. What noodles work best? Lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles all work great.
3. Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! Just skip the spicy elements.
5. Can I make it ahead? Yes, but for best results, cook the noodles fresh before serving.
6. What’s the best substitute for brown sugar? Honey or coconut sugar works well.
7. Can I add veggies? Of course! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are great additions.