If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that packs a punch of flavor and comes together in a flash, let me introduce you to this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Juicy ground beef, chewy noodles, and a glossy, sweet-salty sauce laced with garlic and ginger make this a total crowd-pleaser. This recipe delivers all the crave-worthy vibes of a takeout favorite—right from your own kitchen, and in hardly any time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh boosts are all you need for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Each ingredient has a special job—bringing out umami, adding color and heat, or ensuring that signature silky texture. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Noodles (12 ounces): Use lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen for the perfect backdrop to soak up all that delicious sauce—choose whatever you have or love most!
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides irresistible savory richness and heartiness that defines the dish.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep nutty aroma and is classic in Asian-inspired noodles.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic brings a punch of fragrant depth.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1-inch piece): Ginger infuses warmth and that subtle peppery zing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (½ cup): The backbone of the sauce—rich, salty, and umami-packed.
- Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Balances out the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness and creates that signature glossy glaze.
- Water (¼ cup): Thins the sauce to perfect consistency and helps the noodles soak it all up.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite evenly.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and a gentle tang for balance.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a little heat—add to taste or leave out if you prefer.
- Green onions, sliced (4): Bring color, freshness, and a gentle bite at the finish.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): For a nutty crunch that takes things up a notch.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef and aromatics—any neutral oil will do.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package instructions—al dente is best, so they stay bouncy and don’t get mushy when tossed with beef and sauce. Once cooked, drain completely and set them aside. Give them a little drizzle of oil to prevent sticking if you like.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk until everything is totally smooth and the sugar is dissolved. This sauce is the magic—sweet, savory, and just a little sticky!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a swirl of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Let it brown until there’s no pink left and the meat is a little crisp on the edges. If you notice lots of excess fat, don’t be shy—drain it off before moving on.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Push the browned beef to one side of the pan. Add your sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the cleared space. Sauté just for a minute until they’re super fragrant and your kitchen smells incredible, then mix them back together with the beef.
Step 5: Simmer with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and bring the heat down to medium. Stir well, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles & Finish
Add the drained noodles to the pan and give everything a thorough toss—use tongs or a big spoon so the sauce coats every strand. Fold in the sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving for that extra “wow” factor.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Liven up your bowl with fresh green onion tops, a shower of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few quick cucumber ribbons on the side. A gentle squeeze of lime over each bowl brings a bright edge that complements the sweet-salty sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe shines alongside easy sides like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple Asian slaw for crunch and balance. Garlic sautéed green beans, roasted bok choy, or even a miso soup are stellar partners if you want to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Dole out your noodles in wide, shallow bowls to show off all the colors and glossy sauce. Or, swirl the noodles into individual nests and top with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion—restaurant style! For a fun twist, let guests load their own toppings buffet-style for an interactive dinner party spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after a night’s rest, so you may even like them more the next day! Be sure to let the noodles cool completely before sealing to avoid excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for up to 2 months, but for best texture, freeze the beef mixture separately from the cooked noodles. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready, and reheat everything together until piping hot.
Reheating
For quick reheating, add a splash of water to the noodles and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Or, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a drizzle of soy sauce to freshen it up. This keeps the dish saucy and the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work great as lighter alternatives in the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Just be sure to season generously and cook until completely browned for maximum flavor.
What type Main Course
Lo mein noodles are classic, but regular spaghetti or even ramen can be swapped in easily. The key is a noodle with enough body to stand up to the hearty beef and glossy sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is mild by default, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting red pepper flakes. Add more at the end for serving if you love extra spice!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots are fantastic additions. Stir-fry them briefly before you add the sauce so they stay crisp and vibrant.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles. Confirm your cornstarch and any other sauces are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
If you love speedy dinners with a big, bold payoff, you’re going to want this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in your regular rotation. It’s cozy, endlessly customizable, and downright irresistible every single time. Treat yourself (and your favorite people) to this flavor-packed, noodle-y goodness—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with a delicious Asian-inspired sauce, tossed with noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 12 ounces noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir in the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, toss to coat. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be customized with different proteins or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
