If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors, comforting noodles, and a touch of sweetness, then this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing meal, with tender ground beef cooked in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, perfectly tossed with noodles and fresh veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, these noodles bring vibrant colors, lively textures, and irresistible aromas to your table. Trust me, once you try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right is all about the quality and balance of ingredients, and this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe uses a straightforward list that’s easy to find yet powerful in how each component elevates the dish.
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti: Choose your favorite noodle base; lo mein for authenticity, or spaghetti in a pinch.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a delicious, nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the flavor foundation.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic brings tons of aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced): Balances the garlic with warm, zesty notes.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami backbone without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Introduces sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the sauce with warm sweetness and caramel undertones.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the sauce to coat every noodle beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who like a spicy kick.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Gives a sweet crunch and bright color.
- 1/2 cup green onions (sliced): Freshness and a mild onion bite.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.
- Sesame seeds and more green onions (for garnish): For a delightful finish with texture and vibrant green pops.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente. The chewy texture of the noodles is essential because it helps them soak up the mouthwatering sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set them aside, ready to join the party as the final step.
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 cook it, breaking it up with your spoon until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step brings out those rich, savory notes you’re after, with the caramelized bits adding layers of flavor. Drain the excess fat if you prefer a leaner dish.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic and fresh ginger and cook them for about a minute until fragrant. This gives the dish that signature Asian-inspired aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your stomach rumble with anticipation.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together to blend those sweet, salty, and spicy elements. Then, add the cornstarch slurry—this thickens the sauce quickly, allowing it to cling beautifully to every bit of beef and noodle.
Step 5: Add Vegetables and Noodles
Mix in the shredded carrots and rice vinegar to brighten things up with some sweetness and acidity. Finally, add your cooked noodles, tossing everything until all the ingredients marry perfectly and the dish is piping hot. Stir in the sliced green onions for a last touch of freshness before plating.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really bring this dish to life. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh green onions over the top. These garnishes aren’t just for looks—they add subtle crunch and bursts of freshness that contrast so nicely with the rich noodles.
Side Dishes
Because the noodles pack so much flavor and texture, pairing them with light, refreshing sides works best. A simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli with a splash of lemon can balance the meal, providing crisp, clean bites alongside the hearty noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress a crowd? Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg and a drizzle of chili oil. Or pile the noodles on a large platter and scatter roasted cashews and fresh cilantro over the top for a restaurant-style presentation that’s as inviting as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors might even deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing is an option but with a slight caveat: noodles can sometimes become a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, cool the dish completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and consume within one to two months for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the noodles, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works well too, but stir halfway through heating to maintain even temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives that work well without sacrificing flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is mildly spicy due to optional crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily omit or increase them according to your heat preference. It’s very flexible!
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or any other veggies you love to enhance texture and nutrition in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, try substituting with a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or molasses to mimic the sweet, tangy flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure the noodles are rice-based or another gluten-free variety to keep this dish entirely gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is truly a kitchen champion—easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for sharing with family or friends any night of the week. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to for a satisfying and delicious Asian-inspired meal.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe combining tender lo mein noodles with a savory sweet and spicy beef sauce, fragrant ginger and garlic, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and packed with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the 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 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef in the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Vinegar: Mix in the shredded carrots and rice vinegar, stirring everything together until the carrots are slightly softened and the vinegar is well incorporated.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sliced green onions, then transfer the noodles to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Incorporate extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more nutrition and crunch.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences for a sweeter or saltier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
