Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 pound ground beef; 4 green onions (chopped, whites and greens separated); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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If you love quick, bold, and deeply satisfying noodle dishes with a hint of sweetness and a gentle savory kick, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is about to become your new weeknight champion. Imagine tender strands of noodles tossed with rich, saucy ground beef, sweet notes of hoisin and brown sugar, and a lively sprinkle of fresh green onions for brightness. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a comfort food classic that tastes like takeout but is even better when made at home. Whether you’re celebrating a cozy night in or just need something simple and delicious on the table fast, this dish delivers on every level!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is how every ingredient matters. They’re all easy to find, but together they create a balanced blend of flavors and textures—nothing fancy, just what you need for that comforting restaurant-style meal at home.

Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (12 ounces): These form the chewy, slurpable foundation holding all the flavors together—Asian noodles are ideal, but spaghetti works great in a pinch.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): This fragrant oil adds irresistible, toasty undertones and ties together the Asian-inspired notes.
Ground beef (1 pound): The star protein infuses each bite with rich, savory notes—opt for lean or swap for turkey or chicken if you like.
Green onions (4, chopped, whites and greens separated): They add layers of sharpness and color; use both the whites (in the sauce) and the greens (for freshness and garnish).
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Aromatic garlic makes the sauce pop and adds depth with every bite.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): A touch of zing that brightens the sauce and balances out the sweetness.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of the sauce, lending savory, umami richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers sweet, salty complexity and that signature Mongolian flavor profile.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the sauce, bringing harmony to the salty and tangy notes.
Cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): This thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy, coat-the-noodle finish you want.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who enjoy a little subtle heat—it’s totally optional but adds more dimension.
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Sprinkle on for a nutty crunch and some irresistible visual flair.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—you want them with a little bite so they hold up in the sauce. Drain the noodles well and set them aside, ready to soak up all the flavors that await.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, crumble in the ground beef. Stir and break it up as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly—this creates those delicious caramelized bits that make the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so irresistible. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish luscious but not greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the white parts of the green onions, the minced garlic, and the fresh ginger to your skillet. Sauté for about 1 or 2 minutes, just until everything is fragrant. This quick step unlocks their flavor, giving the dish tons of depth without taking any extra time.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this gorgeous liquid into your pan and stir well, letting it come up to a gentle simmer. The aromas will fill your kitchen instantly—it’s sweet, salty, and loaded with umami.

Step 5: Thicken and Toss

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and gets glossy. Add your drained noodles and toss everything together until each strand is coated evenly in the sauce. If you crave a little heat, add red pepper flakes now. Then, remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering the green onion tops and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top. Now, you officially have a plateful of homemade comfort ready to devour. Every forkful of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is packed with taste and texture—just perfect for enjoying with friends or family.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! For this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, a scattering of green onion tops brings brightness and crunch, while toasted sesame seeds provide nutty aroma and bite. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro takes things up another notch.

Side Dishes

This noodle dish is hearty on its own, but you can easily pair it with vibrant steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. Light Asian-style cucumber salad, crispy egg rolls, or a simple broth-based soup make great accompaniments and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe family-style in a big serving bowl at the center of the table, or portion it into individual bowls for a takeout-style vibe. Sprinkle extra garnishes around the edge for color, or top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for a little extra indulgence—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll find that this dish holds up beautifully. Transfer the cooled noodles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making your lunch or second dinner even more satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe if needed, though the noodles are best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture. If freezing, let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything warms up evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in short bursts, tossing gently in between to distribute heat, or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The flavors remain bold and the sauce will return to its glossy perfection, so your second serving tastes just as good—if not better!

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken make excellent leaner swaps, and both absorb the sauce beautifully. For a plant-based option, try using crumbled tofu or your favorite meat alternative.

Is it possible to use other types of noodles?

You sure can! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti or linguine are very effective substitutes. Rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini work if you’re gluten-free or looking for something lighter.

Can I make the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Choose gluten-free noodles (like brown rice or quinoa spaghetti) and be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce, plus check that your hoisin sauce is certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without the gluten.

What vegetables could I add to this recipe?

There are so many delicious options! Stir in steamed or sautéed vegetables such as snap peas, shredded carrots, baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the final toss for extra color and nutrition.

How spicy is this recipe?

By default, it’s mild and family-friendly. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, so you can easily tailor it to your taste. For more spice, offer chili oil or sriracha at the table and let everyone adjust their own bowl.

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is everything a homemade comfort food should be—quick, incredibly flavorful, and bound to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try the next time you crave a fast, delicious dinner, and don’t be surprised when it delights everyone who tastes it. Happy cooking, and enjoy every noodle-filled bite!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with tender noodles in a delicious Asian-inspired sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the noodles:

12 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
1 tablespoon sesame oil

For the beef:

1 pound ground beef
4 green onions (chopped, whites and greens separated)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

For the sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Brown the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics: Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and serve: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, then remove from heat. Top with green onion tops and sesame seeds before serving.