Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

This easy, flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. Swapping traditional sliced steak for ground beef, this dish keeps all the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors you love in Mongolian beef—without all the prep work. Combined with tender ramen noodles and a luscious, garlicky sauce, this meal comes together in just 25 minutes and satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a go-to for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, soy-based sauce, and chewy ramen noodles delivers a comforting meal that’s both affordable and crowd-pleasing. It’s kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and uses pantry staples you likely already have. Plus, it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

• low sodium soy sauce

• hoisin sauce

• beef broth

• brown sugar

• cornstarch

• sesame oil

• red pepper flakes

• ground beef

• garlic

• ground ginger

• ramen noodles

• sliced green onions (for garnish)

• sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

3. While water is heating, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks.

4. Once browned, stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Add ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Do not overcook.

6. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet with the beef. Toss everything together with tongs to coat the noodles in sauce.

8. Serve hot, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce.

• Vegetarian Option: Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.

• Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, or broccoli.

• Low-Carb: Substitute ramen with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until heated through.

FAQs

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Avoid overcooking the ramen and rinse them briefly in cold water after draining if you’re not adding them to the skillet immediately.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, udon, lo mein, or even spaghetti noodles can work well in this dish.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

Try a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, a dash of vinegar, and a little sugar for a similar sweet-savory flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently to avoid mushy noodles.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low sodium soy sauce and broth, and skip the added salt. You can also rinse noodles briefly after cooking to remove some salt.

What kind of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef (85% or higher) to avoid excess grease in the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough skillet or pot to mix everything well.

Are the leftovers good for lunch?

Absolutely. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a great next-day lunch.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, a fried or soft-boiled egg on top is a tasty addition for extra richness.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fast, fuss-free way to bring bold Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and just one skillet, it’s a comforting meal that delivers both taste and convenience. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite.