If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with rich, savory flavors, the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly marries tender ground beef with chewy noodles, all coated in a sweet and slightly tangy sauce that comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends with your kitchen skills, this recipe delivers satisfying depth and mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is carefully chosen to bring balance, texture, and vibrant flavor to the plate. Don’t worry, these are pantry-friendly staples that come together quickly to create a standout meal.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti, 8 ounces: Provides a deliciously tender base that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Ground beef, 1 pound: Adds hearty protein and a satisfying meaty texture essential to the dish.
- Sesame oil, 1 tablespoon: Imparts a subtle nuttiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic cloves, 3 minced: Brings a pungent, aromatic kick that brightens every bite.
- Fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Adds a warm, spicy note for a truly authentic taste.
- Low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup: Balances salty and savory qualities without overwhelming the dish.
- Brown sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the sauce and creates that signature depth of flavor.
- Hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons: Contributes a rich, slightly tangy complexity that makes the sauce shine.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy coating on the noodles and beef.
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon (optional): For those who love a gentle hint of heat to balance the sweet and savory.
- Green onions, 4 sliced: Adds fresh crunch and a splash of vibrant green to finish the dish beautifully.
- Toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon (for garnish): Delivers a final nutty crunch that makes each mouthful extra special.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your choice of lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. This step ensures your noodles are perfectly soft but still have a bit of bite to hold up against the rich sauce. Once cooked, drain them and set aside so they’re ready to be tossed with that luscious beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, developing a caramelized crust for maximum flavor. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off, leaving just a little to carry the flavors through.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Into the browned beef, stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Sauté them for about a minute until their fragrances fill your kitchen, which means the flavors are building just right. This aromatic base is key to making this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe truly authentic and irresistible.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. These ingredients combine to form that signature sweet and savory Mongolian sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle and morsel of beef.
Step 5: Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
Add the cornstarch mixed with water to the simmering sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and gains a glossy sheen. This step makes sure every bite is coated in rich, velvety goodness.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles and Finish
Finally, add your cooked noodles directly to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure every strand is generously coated with sauce. Stir in the sliced green onions to add a fresh pop of brightness, then remove from heat. Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip on the garnishes! Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the top adds a lovely nutty crunch that complements the tender noodles and juicy beef. If you like, add extra green onions or even a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick of flavor and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, which add a crisp freshness and balance the richness of the beef. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables that cut through the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a fried egg or garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture. You can even layer it over a bed of fresh greens or inside lettuce cups for a fresh handheld version. The possibilities are endless when it comes to showcasing this versatile Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as tasty, if not better, than when freshly made.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to keep portions on hand for busy days. Pack cooled noodles and beef mixture into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce while reheating can help loosen the sauce and keep the noodles moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great if you prefer a leaner protein. They’ll still absorb the sauce beautifully and keep the dish just as flavorful.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No worries at all. Spaghetti is a perfect substitute and often easier to find. Just cook it according to package instructions and toss it with the sauce for similar results.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, snow peas, or shredded carrots make great additions that add freshness and color, plus a satisfying crunch.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes just a pinch of red pepper flakes, which provides a gentle warmth that can be omitted or increased depending on your heat preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and choose gluten-free noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is such a joy to make and even more rewarding to eat. Its incredible balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors wrapped around tender noodles makes it a perfect go-to meal when you want something cozy yet exciting. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed in a savory and sweet sauce with ground beef, garlic, ginger, and green onions, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers classic Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef, stirring and cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, blending the flavors together.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Add Green Onions and Finish: Stir in the sliced green onions and remove the skillet from heat. Optionally sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve: Plate the noodles hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Add steamed broccoli, snow peas, or shredded carrots to the recipe for extra vegetables and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Use gluten-free noodles and tamari soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
