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
Scale
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
