Introduction
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are one of my go-to meals when I want big flavor without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This dish takes the sweet and savory essence of classic Mongolian beef and transforms it into an easy, noodle-based dinner that is both comforting and satisfying. Using ground beef makes the recipe approachable, budget-friendly, and quick to cook, while the sauce delivers that irresistible balance of soy, garlic, and subtle sweetness. The noodles soak up every bit of flavor, creating a dish that feels hearty and indulgent without being complicated. I especially enjoy making this on busy weeknights because everything comes together in one pan and the results are always reliable. If you love bold Asian-inspired flavors and easy dinners that everyone enjoys, Mongolian ground beef noodles are a recipe you will want to keep close.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and family-friendly. It uses simple ingredients, cooks fast, and delivers a rich, savory sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. It is ideal for weeknight dinners and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles – Bold, Savory, and Comfortingly Simple
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mongolian ground beef noodles are a quick, savory-sweet noodle dish made with flavorful ground beef, garlic, ginger, and a rich soy-based sauce tossed with tender noodles.
Ingredients
- 12 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (halal)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch.
- Pour sauce into skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Add cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for variety.
- Best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef provides hearty protein and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Noodles
Noodles form the base of the dish and carry the savory flavors throughout.
Garlic
Garlic adds bold aroma and depth to the sauce.
Ginger
Ginger brings warmth and classic Mongolian-style flavor.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami richness.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin adds depth, sweetness, and complexity to the sauce.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Green Onions
Green onions add freshness and mild bite.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds nutty aroma and finishing flavor.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Directions
Begin by cooking the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add garlic and ginger to the beef and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer gently.
In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and add it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Stir in green onions and cook briefly until heated through. Serve hot.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are easy to customize. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute for beef. For extra heat, add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. You can also use different noodle varieties depending on preference, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from ground beef and carbohydrates from noodles. It is filling and flavorful, making it a satisfying main dish when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Balance the Sauce
Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Do Not Overcook Noodles
Slightly firm noodles hold sauce better.
Even Beef Crumbles
Break beef finely for better texture.
Finish with Sesame Oil
Add sesame oil at the end for best aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, many noodle types work well.
Is this dish spicy?
It is mild but easily adjustable.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently before serving.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute.
What vegetables work best?
Broccoli, peppers, and carrots work well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended for best noodle texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it has balanced, mild flavors.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust to taste.
What oil can replace sesame oil?
Neutral oil can be used, but flavor will differ.
Does this taste like restaurant Mongolian beef?
It delivers similar sweet-savory flavor in a simpler form.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that brings bold, sweet-savory flavor to the table with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and dependable results, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want an easy dinner that still feels satisfying and full of flavor.
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