If you are craving a dish that marries bold flavors with comforting noodles, you will absolutely adore this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked lo mein noodles enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat, all tossed together with juicy ground beef. This recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner solution that feels indulgent yet comes together in no time. The balance of tender beef, springy noodles, and umami-rich sauce makes it a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient is essential and plays a special role in creating the bold, vibrant flavor profile of this dish. From the toasted sesame oil that adds a warm nuttiness to the fresh green onions that bring a bright finish, every element counts.
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti: Choose lo mein for authenticity or spaghetti as a convenient substitute; both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty texture and richness that make this meal so satisfying.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil): Toasty sesame oil delivers depth, but neutral oil is perfect if you want a milder base.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic contributes sharp aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger: Adds a warm, peppery brightness that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: A luscious, sweet-tangy addition to build complexity in the sauce.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetness that enhances the caramelized notes and balances savory elements.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that lingers on the palate.
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish): Freshness and crunch that brighten every bite.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry): To gently thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds texture and a subtle nutty crunch.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you use lo mein for an authentic touch or spaghetti for convenience, make sure the noodles are al dente. Drain and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up the flavorful sauce in the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat, warm up the sesame oil. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step develops a rich foundation of flavor that makes the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so irresistible. Drain excess grease if needed, to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir-fry these aromatics for 1 to 2 minutes until their fragrance fills the kitchen. This step layers in bright, sharp notes that complement the beef perfectly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sprinkle brown sugar over the beef mixture. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes now. Allow this sauce to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so all flavors meld together into a heavenly, sticky glaze.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef beautifully. This step is what transforms the sauce into that perfect consistency to cling to every strand of noodle.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles and Green Onions
Add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions directly into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles are fully coated in that luscious sauce, heated through, and ready to serve.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, sprinkle with extra sliced green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. These garnishes add a pop of color, fresh crunch, and a beautiful nutty accent that enhances each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad. Light vegetable dishes help balance the rich, saucy noodles and round out the meal with a healthy contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls and top with a fried egg for extra richness. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or drizzle a little chili oil on top if you want to amp up the heat and texture. Presentation is all about layering color and garnishes that make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making for a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious recipe on hand longer, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep the noodles evenly heated and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe if you prefer a leaner option or just want a flavor variation. The sauce works beautifully with any of these options.
What type of noodles works best?
Lo mein noodles are the traditional choice and provide wonderful texture, but spaghetti or other thin wheat noodles work as well. The key is cooking them al dente so they hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe is mildly spicy if you include the optional red pepper flakes. You can always leave them out for a milder dish, or sprinkle in more if you like a spicy kick.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Stirring in shredded carrots, sautéed bell peppers, or steamed broccoli both adds color and boosts the nutrition while complementing the dish’s flavors perfectly.
How long does the cooking process take?
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe comes together quickly—about 25 minutes total including prep and cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful meal in no time.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a wonderful combination of flavor, texture, and ease that I can’t recommend enough. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a satisfying bowl of noodles packed with savory goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dinners—you’ll be glad you did!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef and lo mein noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, it comes together in just 25 minutes and can be customized with your favorite veggies or alternative proteins.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Beef & Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickener & Garnish
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set them aside while you prepare the beef.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the aromatics are softened.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sugar to dissolve.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef nicely.
- Toss with Noodles and Green Onions: Add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the noodle mixture to serving plates. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added texture and nutrition, stir in shredded carrots, sautéed bell peppers, or steamed broccoli when tossing the noodles with the sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean substitutes for ground beef.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
