Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for busy nights when you want something flavorful and hearty with minimal effort. It’s made with pantry staples, is kid-friendly, and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or noodles. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a full meal that’s satisfying and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
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Garlic
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Ginger
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Soy sauce
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Brown sugar
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Hoisin sauce
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Sesame oil
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Cornstarch
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Water
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Green onions
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Oil for cooking
Directions
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Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Add garlic and ginger to the beef, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
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Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
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Stir in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, if using.
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Serve hot and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter option.
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Noodle Choice: Use rice noodles, soba, udon, or any pasta you have on hand.
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Add Veggies: Stir in broccoli, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
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Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili paste.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and pair with gluten-free noodles.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the spice level by adding red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of chili garlic sauce during cooking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well in this recipe and provide different flavor profiles.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Lo mein, ramen, rice noodles, or even spaghetti can be used. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and stays flavorful, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Freezing is possible, but the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
What vegetables go well in this dish?
Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas are great choices to add color, texture, and nutrition.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil before mixing them with the beef and sauce to prevent sticking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetarian hoisin sauce as well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce mixture helps thicken it as it simmers. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer.
Is this dish sweet?
It has a mild sweetness from brown sugar and hoisin sauce, balanced with savory and umami flavors. You can reduce the sugar for a less sweet version.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful, fast, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it once, and it’ll surely earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring ground beef in a sweet and savory sauce, tossed with tender noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal using pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2–3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add garlic and ginger to the beef, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Stir in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Serve hot and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use any type of noodles you prefer or have on hand.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for more nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add chili sauce.
- Toss noodles with oil after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
