Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium); ½ cup beef broth; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz linguine or spaghetti; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water; 2 green onions, sliced

There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in under 30 minutes yet delivers bold, savory flavors that taste like they took hours to develop. That’s exactly what Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles bring to the table. Picture this: tender ground beef infused with garlic and a rich, slightly sweet Mongolian-style sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles, and topped with fresh green onions. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

This dish has become a go-to in my home because it checks all the boxes: it’s fast, easy, and incredibly customizable. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies, swap proteins, or dial up the spice, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences. The best part? It’s all made in just two pans, which means minimal cleanup—a win-win for both flavor and convenience.

Let’s walk through what makes this dish a must-try and how you can whip it up with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Quick and easy: The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on hectic nights.
Rich in flavor: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar creates a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables, swapping the protein, or adjusting the spice level.
Family-friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef and pantry staples make this dish an affordable option without sacrificing taste.

If you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors and easy dinners, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 50g | Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

Ground beef: 1 pound (85% lean is ideal).
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Soy sauce: ½ cup (low-sodium preferred to control salt levels).
Beef broth: ½ cup to add depth to the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons for a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons to balance the saltiness.
Ground ginger: 1 teaspoon for a warm, earthy note.
Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste.
Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon for optional heat.
Linguine or spaghetti: 8 ounces, cooked al dente.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce.
Green onions: 2 stalks, thinly sliced, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Linguine

Start by cooking the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the heat.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Mix the garlic into the beef.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine.

5. Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

6. Toss the Noodles

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it with the beef and sauce until the noodles are well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the noodles to serving plates or a large bowl. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh, bright garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Choose the right ground beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef to strike a balance between flavor and grease.
Cook the noodles al dente: Slightly undercooking the noodles ensures they don’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Adjust the spice level: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it spicy, or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
Toast the garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Cooking it just until fragrant is key.
Double the sauce: If you like extra saucy noodles, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to change it up:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Alternate Proteins: Try ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even shrimp for a different flavor.
Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy for added color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute the linguine with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How to Serve

This dish is satisfying on its own but can be paired with sides for a complete meal:

A crisp green salad with a sesame-ginger dressing.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Classic Asian appetizers such as egg rolls, potstickers, or spring rolls.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles work well in this recipe.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of five-spice powder.

How do I prevent the noodles from clumping?
Toss the cooked noodles with a bit of oil or rinse them under cold water after draining to prevent sticking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time, then combine them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for an easy yet impressive dinner option, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With its savory-sweet sauce, tender beef, and slurp-worthy noodles, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and share your delicious results. Happy cooking!