Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets excitement in this delectable Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe that promises to transport your taste buds.

Savory, rich flavors dance across a bed of tender noodles, creating a culinary experience that speaks to both tradition and innovation.

The dish combines simple ingredients with bold seasonings that pack an incredible punch of umami.

Each bite tells a story of hearty, satisfying meal preparation that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Fragrant garlic and ginger mingle with perfectly seasoned beef, creating layers of depth in every forkful.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this straightforward yet impressive recipe.

You’ll find yourself craving these noodles long after the last delicious bite disappears from your plate.

Why Mongolian Beef Noodles Are a Must-Try

Why Mongolian Beef Noodles Are a Must-Try
  • Quick and Easy Meal Solution
  • Minimal kitchen skills required with straightforward steps anyone can master, making this recipe perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknight dinners.
  • Combines bold Asian-inspired seasonings like soy sauce, hoisin, and ginger that transform simple ground beef into an exciting culinary experience without complicated techniques.
  • Reduces dish cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without facing a mountain of dirty cookware afterward.
  • Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or different pasta types, letting home cooks personalize the dish to suit their taste preferences.

Ingredients You Need for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the core of this hearty dish.
  • Linguine or Pasta: The perfect base for absorbing the rich and savory sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Beef Broth, Hoisin Sauce: A combination of umami-rich liquids that create a deep, complex flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • Ground Ginger, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that provide warmth and a gentle kick to the sauce.
Finishing and Binding Ingredients:
  • Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor of the beef.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Used to create a smooth, thickening agent for the sauce.
  • Green Onions: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds a bright note to the final dish.

How to Cook Mongolian Noodles with Beef

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook your favorite pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.

Follow package instructions carefully.

Drain the pasta and set aside, ready for the delicious sauce to come.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Break the meat into small, bite-sized pieces while cooking.

Drain any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the browned beef.

Sauté until the kitchen fills with an amazing aroma.

Then add these ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Brown sugar
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Ground ginger
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir everything together to create a mouthwatering flavor explosion.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth.

Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir into the sauce.

Let it simmer gently until the sauce reaches a perfect, glossy thickness.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating every strand with the rich, savory sauce.

Let the noodles and beef simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve piping hot and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Tips to Master Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Achieve deeper taste by browning ground beef thoroughly, ensuring caramelization develops rich, complex flavors.
  • Adjust cornstarch slurry carefully to reach desired thickness – add gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Customize heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, tailoring the dish to personal spice preferences.
  • Replace linguine with rice noodles, udon, or zucchini noodles for diverse texture and dietary adaptations.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage overall saltiness, allowing individual seasoning adjustment at the table.

How to Store and Heat Up Noodle Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm slightly oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Add noodles and gently stir, adding small splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir continuously for even heating, about 3-4 minutes until steaming hot.

What to Eat with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Pair with Crisp Asian Lager: Grab a cold Tsingtao or Sapporo beer to cut through the rich, savory beef flavors and refresh your palate with its light, crisp profile.
  • Complement with Sesame Cucumber Salad: Create a cool, crunchy side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds to balance the warm, spicy noodles.
  • Match with Ginger-Scallion Slaw: Whip up a zesty slaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, fresh ginger, green onions, and a light rice vinegar dressing to add brightness and texture to the hearty beef dish.
  • Pour Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a hot cup of jasmine green tea to provide a delicate, aromatic counterpoint that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the bold, flavorful noodles.

Fun Variations on Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular linguine with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a completely gluten-free version.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitute. Enhance protein by adding extra mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, meat-free option.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce for more heat. Include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to elevate the spice level for those who love intense flavors.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta. Reduce brown sugar quantity or substitute with a low-carb sweetener to maintain the dish's signature flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe authentic Mongolian cuisine?

No, this is an Americanized version inspired by Asian flavors, not a traditional Mongolian dish. It combines ground beef with typical Asian sauce ingredients for a quick and tasty meal.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. The sauce will work well with various protein options.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a mild heat level from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted. You can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes for a less spicy version, or add more for extra kick.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, measuring ingredients, and boiling pasta. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this dish with simple instructions.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles blend savory Asian flavors with comforting pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. Saucy beef and silky noodles promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef

Noodles and Starches:

  • 10 oz (283 g) linguine
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish:

  • 4 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve pasta.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat and reduce heat to medium.
  3. Add minced garlic to beef and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Whisk cornstarch with water in separate bowl until smooth. Incorporate into skillet mixture, stirring thoroughly.
  5. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it reaches desired thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  6. Fold cooked linguine into sauce, ensuring complete coating. Allow noodles to absorb flavors for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
  7. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives equal amounts of beef and sauce.

Notes

  • Swap pasta types easily to suit dietary needs, like using gluten-free or whole wheat noodles for added nutrition and variety.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder version that kids and spice-sensitive people will enjoy.
  • Drain beef fat thoroughly to create a lighter, less greasy dish that feels healthier without compromising rich flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star