If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress but also fits right into your busy weeknights, let me introduce you to my go-to Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe. This one-pan wonder combines savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of noodle, creating a comforting, flavor-packed meal that my whole family adores.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic week when takeout was the easiest choice, but I was craving something homemade—and it never left our dinner rotation since! It’s so simple to whip up, making it the perfect solution when you want something hearty without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Serve it up with some steamed broccoli for a bit of green, and you’ve got a beautiful, satisfying dinner that feels a little special without the fuss!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe! It’s a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and pure comfort that’ll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. So, let’s dive into the delightful reasons why you’ll be making this dish on repeat:
Bold Flavors Galore: The savory blend of tender ground beef, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger packs a punch of mouthwatering flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing. You’ll be wondering why you ever settled for takeout!
Quick & Simple: In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up this delicious dish. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is a lifesaver on those rushed days!
One-Bowl Wonder: Less mess, more yum! Everything cooks together in one bowl, which means fewer dishes to wash up afterward. You can savor your meal and then relax, instead of scrubbing pots and pans!
Family-Friendly: My kids can be a tough crowd, but they absolutely love this dish! It’s flavorful but not too spicy, making it a perfect choice for even the pickiest eaters. Plus, you can personalize the veggies to make sure everyone’s happy.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Got leftovers? Lucky you! These noodles store exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prepping. You’ll have tasty lunches for the week or a quick dinner ready to go!
This Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that’ll bring everyone to the table and leave them with smiles. Once you try it out, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a household favorite!
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Get ready to whip up a delicious plate of Mongolian ground beef noodles! Here’s everything you’ll need—simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch!
- Ground beef: The star of the dish! I recommend using 80/20 lean beef for just the right balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Egg noodles: They cook up tender and soak up all that wonderful sauce. If you can’t find them, feel free to swap with rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Soy sauce: This adds the perfect salty, umami flavor. Go for low-sodium if you want to keep it lighter!
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance the salty soy sauce and add that hint of sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—it adds that aromatic richness that’s hard to beat.
- Ginger: If you can get it fresh, it’s worth it! Grated ginger brings a zing that enhances the beef’s flavor. Ground ginger will do in a hurry, but fresh is best!
- Green onions: These fragrant beauties add freshness and a pop of color. Slice them up for topping and cooking!
- Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end gives a nutty flavor that ties everything together. You can use a light version if you prefer something milder.
- Cornstarch: This is your best friend for thickening the sauce. It gives it that rich, velvety texture!
- Water or beef broth: This helps steam the noodles and create the perfect sauce consistency. Broth adds even more flavor, so go for it if you have some on hand.
Feel free to customize! Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Not a fan of ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken work too! Happy cooking!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe is one of those weeknight wonders that’s incredibly simple yet full of flavor. You’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal ready in no time—perfect for when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Let’s dive in:
- Cook the noodles. Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling away, add your egg noodles (or any noodles you love) and cook according to the package instructions until they’re just al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Prepare the beef. While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and then toss in 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, browning it nicely for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Flavor it up. Once the beef is nice and browned, add minced garlic (about 3 cloves) and a tablespoon of grated ginger to the skillet. Stir it all together and cook for another minute until fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
- Mix in the sauces. Now, it’s time to get saucy! Pour in 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, and a splash of sesame oil. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the flavors marry beautifully.
- Combine the noodles and beef. Once your noodles are ready, drain them and add them directly into the skillet with the beef. Toss everything gently, making sure each noodle is coated in that fantastic sauce. If it looks a little dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or more soy sauce!
- Finish with green onions and spices. Lastly, toss in a handful of sliced green onions and sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Give it all a final toss to combine, and you’re almost done!
- Serve and savor. Dish out your Mongolian ground beef noodles into bowls, and if you’re feeling extra special, top with sesame seeds for a little crunch. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite side or simply on its own!
Trust me, this dish is bound to become a new favorite! Plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Oh, my friends, once you try this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect blend of savory beef, noodles, and those irresistible Asian flavors. To complete your meal and really elevate the experience, here are a few delightful sides that will make your taste buds dance:
- Steamed Bok Choy: This tender, leafy green is not only gorgeous on the plate, but it also brings a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the noodles. Plus, it cooks up in a flash—seriously, win-win!
- Crispy Egg Rolls: Who can resist a good egg roll? Stuffed with delicious veggies and a hint of meat, they add that satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. Bonus points for dipping them in a sweet and sour sauce!
- Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and tangy, this salad is a quick and easy way to add a burst of freshness to your meal. It balances the savory notes of the beef with a nice crunch—plus it’s super simple to whip up!
- Sesame Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans tossed with a sprinkle of sesame seeds are a colorful, vibrant side that brings more nutrients (and flavor!) to your dinner table. They’re quick to make and oh-so-delicious!
- Chilled Soba Noodle Salad: For a fun twist, serve a cold soba noodle salad on the side. Toss those noodles with some soy sauce, a splash of sesame oil, and your favorite veggies for a delightful contrast to the warm Mongolian ground beef noodles.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside your Mongolian ground beef noodles, I promise it will be a flavor fiesta! Enjoy creating a memorable meal that your whole family will love!
How to Store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Got some tasty leftovers? Here’s how to keep your Mongolian ground beef noodles fresh and flavorful:
Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the noodles seem dry when you reheat them, a splash of beef broth or water will bring back that delightful silky texture!
Freeze (optional): You can freeze the beef and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just keep the noodles separate if you want to preserve their texture.
Reheat with care: When you’re ready to enjoy your noodles again, reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little moisture if they look dry to keep them mouthwatering!
That’s all you need to keep your leftovers as delicious as the first bite! Enjoy!
FAQ for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While we’re all about those egg noodles in this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe, feel free to switch things up. Here are some great alternatives:
- Spaghetti or ramen – both have that great bite and will soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Rice noodles – if you’re in the mood for something lighter and gluten-free.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) – for a veggie twist that’s super low-carb!
What if I don’t have ground beef?
No beef, no problem! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some tasty swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken – leaner options that still pack flavor.
- Ground pork – for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Tofu or tempeh – for a vegetarian version that’ll absorb all those yummy flavors!
How can I adjust the spice level?
Want to turn the heat up or down? It’s easy-peasy!
- More heat – toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Less heat – just go gentle on the ginger or skip the chili sauce entirely.
- Sweetness – a touch of extra sugar or honey can balance out any spiciness if you’ve gone a bit heavy!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a great meal prep candidate! Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the noodles and ground beef mixture, then cool them quickly.
- Store separately in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the beef and noodles together—zap in the microwave or heat in a pan with a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers from this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe can be a lifesaver!
- Refrigerate – Make sure to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll last up to three days.
- Freeze – To store longer, freeze in portions; they’ll be good for about three months. Just remember to label with dates so you won’t forget what’s in there!
And there you have it! Dive into this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe with confidence—you’ve got this! 🍜✨
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness with this Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe! It’s packed with flavor and takes just about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something satisfying and homemade.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef – A lean blend works best for this recipe.
8 ounces egg noodles – These cook quickly and are wonderfully chewy!
3 tablespoons soy sauce – For that essential umami kick.
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
1 teaspoon ginger, grated – Adds a warm, zesty flare.
1 cup green onions, chopped – Great for garnish and flavor.
1 tablespoon sesame oil – Provides a nutty richness.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil – For cooking the beef.
Salt & pepper to taste – A simple way to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Start the noodles. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—but save a splash of the pasta water!
Cook the beef. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned. Don’t worry about a little crispiness—it adds to the flavor!
Flavor it up! Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Cook for another minute or two until the garlic is fragrant and everything is well combined.
Toss in the noodles. Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. If it looks a bit dry, gently mix in some of that reserved pasta water to get everything nicely coated.
Finish with green onions. Stir in the chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil. Toss everything together for about a minute—this helps to meld the flavors.
Serve it up! Dish out your Mongolian ground beef noodles into bowls and enjoy! Feel free to add a sprinkle of extra green onions on top for a pop of freshness.
Notes
For a little extra crunch, consider adding some toasted sesame seeds or breaking out your favorite hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. And remember, if your noodles seem a little sticky as they cool, just give them a gentle toss before serving! Enjoy your meal!