Introduction
Craving takeout flavors without the hassle? This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe delivers sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in just 20 minutes! Tender ground beef, chewy noodles, and a rich, glossy sauce come together for a dish that’s faster than delivery and packed with bold umami taste.
Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is easy, customizable, and family-friendly. Serve it over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of authenticity.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ready in 20 Minutes – Faster than ordering takeout!
Bold & Balanced Flavors – Sweet, salty, garlicky, with a hint of heat.
Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Versatile – Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
For the Noodles & Beef:
- 8 oz noodles (udon, lo mein, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (white & green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Tools Needed:
- Large skillet or wok
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Whisk
Step 2: Cooking the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Cook the Noodles – Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef – Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, rice vinegar, sriracha, and cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve – Toss in cooked noodles, coating evenly. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Don’t Overcook the Noodles – They should be al dente since they’ll soak up the sauce.
Adjust Sweetness/Spice – Add more brown sugar or sriracha to taste.
Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – They make a big difference in flavor.
Add Veggies – Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch.
For a low-carb version, swap noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Cornstarch – The sauce won’t thicken properly.
Overcrowding the Pan – Cook beef in batches if needed.
Using Bottled Minced Garlic – Fresh garlic tastes better.
Not Tasting Before Serving – Adjust seasoning as needed.
FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili oil.
Conclusion
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that beats takeout any night. With its sticky-sweet sauce, tender beef, and chewy noodles, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 20 mins
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. This dish combines savory ground beef with tender noodles and a delicious sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the ground beef, stirring to combine.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Add the shredded carrots and cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well.
Stir in the chopped green onions and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy these savory and delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
