These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s packed with a rich, savory sauce and tender ground beef. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors, this dish is a great go-to for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes. Served over pasta or rice noodles, it’s a delicious and comforting dish the whole family will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are bursting with delicious flavors. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with a thick sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar. The addition of ginger and garlic creates an aromatic base, while the red pepper flakes give it a hint of spice (adjustable to your liking). It’s a fast and easy recipe, but it tastes like something you’d get at your favorite takeout spot. Plus, the dish is versatile—you can use any type of long pasta or rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef is best for a lighter dish)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
10 oz linguine (or other long pasta, such as spaghetti, or rice noodles for a gluten-free version)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook the linguine (or preferred pasta) in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat and reduce the heat to medium.

3. Add Garlic and Aromatics

Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.

4. Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Combine with Noodles

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Let the noodles and beef simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh garnish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
More veggies: Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or carrots to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
Rice noodles: For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles instead of linguine or spaghetti.
Extra heat: Add more red pepper flakes or even a sliced fresh chili for an extra spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you prefer a leaner protein. The flavor will be lighter but still delicious.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the noodles and reheat the sauce.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar. If you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.

4. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?

Yes, you can, but if using regular soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Try adding some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for extra texture and flavor.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stovetop.

7. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of long pasta, such as spaghetti, or even rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the sauce, simply simmer it for longer. To thin it out, add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.

9. How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice is adjustable depending on how much red pepper flakes you use. If you prefer a mild dish, omit them, or add a small pinch for just a hint of heat.

10. Can I serve this dish with rice?

Yes! If you prefer rice over noodles, you can serve this dish with steamed white or brown rice for a different but equally delicious version.

Conclusion

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, all in one comforting bowl. With tender ground beef, a thick, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy nights when you crave something delicious and satisfying!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Featuring a rich, thick sauce and tender ground beef, this easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Instructions

Cook the linguine (or your preferred pasta) in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat and reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Let the noodles and beef simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh garnish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a complete meal, pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans, or serve over rice.
Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
For a richer flavor, use dark soy sauce in place of light soy sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian