If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bold, comforting, and on the table in about half an hour, look no further than this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Imagine savory beef mingling with chewy noodles, all tangled up in a glossy, sweet-salty sauce with pops of ginger, garlic, and a little heat if you like it. This meal is a total crowd-pleaser and the kind of weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again—so let’s dive in!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples that combine to create layers of flavor, color, and irresistible texture.

Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): Choose your favorite; lo mein gives an authentic touch, but spaghetti works perfectly in a pinch.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds an unmistakable nutty aroma that sets the foundation for the sauce.
Ground beef (1 pound): Brings savory, hearty flavor and a satisfying bite to the dish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a punchy depth and classic Asian flair.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Ginger brightens everything up with a gentle heat and zing.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty-sweet backbone that soaks into every strand of noodle.
Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Adds rich, slightly sweet umami notes that round out the sauce.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the sauce and gives it that signature Mongolian-style sweetness.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity to keep everything lively and not overly heavy.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, this gives a gentle kick.
Green onions (1/2 cup, sliced): Tossed in at the end for color, crunch, and a burst of freshness.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water, optional): Thickens the sauce to help it cling to every noodle.
Sesame seeds and extra green onions (for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a pretty finish and added crunch.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Start by cooking your noodles according to the package directions—whether you went with lo mein or spaghetti, you want them tender but not mushy. Once they’re ready, drain them well and set aside. This ensures they’re all set to soak up the delicious sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks, letting it brown beautifully. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from getting heavy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Now it’s time for the garlic and ginger—toss them in and let them sizzle for about a minute. Your kitchen will smell incredible! These aromatics build the foundation of the sauce, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it in, letting it bubble for another minute or two until it’s glossy and just coats the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Finish

Add your cooked noodles and sliced green onions right into the skillet. Toss everything together—this is the most satisfying part! You want every noodle slicked with the savory-sweet Mongolian sauce, punctuated by pops of fresh green onion.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe immediately, showered with sesame seeds and extra green onions. The dish is at its absolute best when piping hot, with all those flavors mingling together.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the garnishes—a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of extra green onions add color, texture, and a lovely freshness that balances the rich sauce. You could even toss on some chopped cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad. These veggies offer a refreshing contrast and help soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls or even small takeout-style boxes for a playful, takeout-at-home vibe. Or, pile it high on a platter and let everyone dig in family-style—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. The noodles will keep well for up to three days.

Freezing

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe also freezes surprisingly well. Cool everything completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the noodles in the microwave with a splash of water or quickly toss them in a skillet over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through—this brings back the saucy, glossy texture you crave.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a lighter or vegetarian take. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure your protein is fully cooked.

What kind of noodles work best in the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?

Lo mein noodles are traditional, but regular spaghetti or linguine work wonderfully. Rice noodles or udon can be fun alternatives for extra chewiness, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you control the heat level. Add more or less depending on your spice tolerance, or skip them altogether if you’re cooking for kids.

Can I add vegetables to the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?

Definitely! Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra crunch, color, and nutrition. It’s a great way to make the meal even more satisfying.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a stickier, more luxurious sauce, use the cornstarch slurry. Just mix cornstarch and water, stir it into the simmering sauce, and let it cook for a minute or two until thickened.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s fast, unfussy, and packed with the kind of flavors that make you want to twirl just one more forkful. Grab your ingredients, get your skillet ready, and treat yourself—and your loved ones—to this weeknight winner!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed with savory ground beef, garlic, ginger, and a rich hoisin-soy sauce blend. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauce

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Ingredients

1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Sesame seeds for garnish
Extra green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
Brown the ground beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
Sauté aromatics and mix the sauce: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Optional thickening: If a thicker sauce is preferred, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
Toss noodles and green onions: Return the cooked noodles to the skillet and add the sliced green onions. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the flavorful sauce and heat through completely.
Serve and garnish: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
For extra nutrition and texture, stir in shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
If soy sauce is unavailable, tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free alternatives.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if serving children.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired