Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles filling your kitchen on a busy evening. This quick, one-pan dinner features tender noodles coated in a flavorful, slightly sweet sauce, with ground beef and crisp veggies adding a hearty touch.

I first discovered this dish when I was hunting for something easy yet satisfying to make for a weeknight dinner. With pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, it instantly became a go-to meal for my family. Now, it’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you crave takeout but want something homemade.

Why You’ll Love These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Get ready to add a new staple to your weeknight dinner rotation. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is incredibly easy to make yet loaded with flavor.

First and foremost, it's super quick. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings. The combination of ground beef and chewy noodles, all tossed in a luscious sauce, gives it a takeout-inspired taste without the wait.

Plus, it's incredibly budget-friendly. Using ground beef keeps the meal affordable, and you can even stretch it further with additional veggies or noodles, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week.

Not to mention, the dish is highly customizable. Prefer a spicier kick? Add more chili flakes. Want to sneak in extra vegetables? Go ahead and toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. This recipe can be easily adapted to whatever you have on hand.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze. Everything cooks in one pan, so you won't be left with a mountain of dishes. It’s a true weeknight wonder!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component has a role to play in delivering that perfect umami-packed bite.

Ground Beef: This forms the protein base of the dish. I recommend using lean ground beef (around 85/15) to get the right balance of flavor and moisture. You can also substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

Noodles: Use thick, chewy noodles like udon or linguine. The sauce clings beautifully to their surface, creating an irresistible dish. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat pasta or rice noodles also work well.

Soy Sauce: The key to the savory, salty element of the sauce. I use a mix of regular and low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. If you're gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos.

Brown Sugar: Adds the signature sweetness to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to taste, or substitute honey for a more natural sweetness.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for that bold, Mongolian flavor. Freshly minced garlic and ginger are best, but in a pinch, ground ginger and garlic powder will do.

You’ll also need cornstarch to help thicken the sauce, sesame oil for a nutty depth, and green onions for a burst of freshness. If you have a wok or a large skillet, this will make cooking even easier.

How To Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Making this flavorful dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add your chosen noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef. Heat a splash of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to coat. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!

From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time, with flavors that are sure to impress your family or guests.

Storage Options

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are fantastic for leftovers and meal prep! Here's how to store and reheat them.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for even tastier leftovers.

Freeze: If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave for a quick option, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. Here are some delicious ways to change it up:

Swap the Protein: Don’t have ground beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. Each variation brings a unique flavor to the dish.

Add More Veggies: This dish is a great way to use up any vegetables in your fridge. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, broccoli, or snap peas add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.

Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, add chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce. You can also sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.

Lower the Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip any added salt if you're watching your sodium intake. You can also dilute the sauce with a bit of water.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap the noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce. The dish will still be packed with flavor.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. It’s incredibly forgiving and perfect for adapting to your family’s tastes!

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