Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Craving a hearty, savory dish with a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice? Look no further! This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is an easy-to-make, one-pan wonder that combines tender noodles, rich beef, and a flavorful sauce inspired by classic Mongolian flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and savory with a touch of umami from the hoisin sauce. The noodles soak up all the delicious sauce, while the vegetables add texture and color. It’s a comforting meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Tips and Variations
- Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Add Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
- For the Noodles and Beef:
- 12 oz 340 g dried lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef (lean preferred)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger grated (or 1 tbsp ground ginger)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables e.g., shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or snap peas
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics:Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the empty side and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Vegetables:Mix the vegetables into the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and veggies.
- Combine with Noodles:Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:Transfer the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to serving bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The sweet-savory sauce appeals to kids and adults alike, while the customizable nature of the dish means you can easily adjust it to suit your family’s preferences. Don’t like spice? Leave out the chili flakes. Prefer chicken or tofu? Swap them in instead.
And let’s not forget leftovers! This dish tastes just as good the next day, making it a great choice for meal prepping or packing lunch for work or school.
So, the next time you’re craving something flavorful, quick, and satisfying, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Let me know if you tried this recipe! Enjoy!
