Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

If you love quick, flavorful dinners that come together in minutes, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe will become one of your go-to meals. It combines the sweet and savory flavors of classic Mongolian beef with tender noodles, creating a comforting dish that feels like takeout—but better. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend cravings.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a rich and delicious meal that everyone will love. The ground beef is simmered in a garlicky soy-based sauce with brown sugar and ginger, then tossed with noodles that soak up all that irresistible flavor. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish hits every note of comfort and convenience.

Ingredients

For the noodles and beef:

- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
- 8 ounces linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and toss lightly with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2 – Brown the beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3 – Add aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant—this step builds a deep, rich flavor base for the sauce.

Step 4 – Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly.

Step 5 – Thicken the sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir well. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully.

Step 6 – Combine noodles and beef:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs to ensure every strand is coated in the flavorful sauce. If desired, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step 7 – Finish and serve:
Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and an extra drizzle of sesame oil before serving. Enjoy hot for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Use fresh aromatics: Garlic and ginger are the foundation of this recipe. Using fresh ingredients gives the dish its authentic depth of flavor.

Don’t overcook the noodles: Since the noodles continue to cook a bit when combined with the hot sauce, it’s best to leave them slightly underdone when boiling.

Adjust sweetness and saltiness: Mongolian-style sauce is known for its balance. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly. For a saltier taste, add a dash more soy sauce.

Make it spicy: Add sriracha, chili oil, or crushed red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the dish.

Add vegetables: You can easily boost the nutrition by adding stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freeze: You can freeze the cooked beef and sauce separately for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked noodles.

Serving Suggestions

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles make a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with sides for a more rounded dinner. Try them with:

- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Asian cucumber salad
- Spring rolls or egg rolls
- Stir-fried green beans

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 510 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 890mg
Sugar: 12g

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a weeknight game-changer—rich, flavorful, and ready in less than 30 minutes. It has all the sweet, savory, and umami flavors of your favorite restaurant noodles, but it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The silky sauce clings to every noodle, the beef adds hearty texture, and the touch of green onion brings freshness. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple on your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a quick meal that tastes like takeout, this dish delivers every time. Serve it hot, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of veggies for a complete, satisfying meal that’s perfect any night of the week.

Edit This Article