If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is an absolute gem. It combines tender ground beef cooked with fragrant ginger and garlic, coated in a perfectly balanced sauce of soy, brown sugar, and hoisin that clings to every strand of linguine noodles. With just the right hint of spice and savory richness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its simple but powerful ingredients. Each element brings something unique, creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that’s pure comfort food.
- Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that’s juicy and flavorful once browned perfectly.
- Minced ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the meatiness.
- Minced garlic: Brings that classic aromatic warmth everyone loves.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Offers salty umami depth without overpowering the dish.
- Beef broth: Enhances richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances savory notes with a touch of caramel sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a complex, slightly tangy dimension that elevates everything.
- Red pepper flakes: Delivers a subtle spicy warmth for excitement.
- Black pepper: For that essential peppery bite and layering of flavor.
- Linguine noodles: Their flat, smooth surface holds the sauce beautifully.
- Green onions: Fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the final plate.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty crunch to finish off with texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the minced ginger and garlic. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, ensuring the sauce will cling nicely to the lean beef.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite, perfect for holding the flavorful Mongolian sauce without getting soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This mixture combines sweet, salty, and spicy elements, which together provide the irresistible Mongolian flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef, stirring to fully coat the meat. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and meld all the flavors together. This step is where the dish really comes alive with that signature Mongolian richness.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Finish Cooking
Drain the linguine noodles and add them directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together for another minute or two, letting the noodles soak up all the delicious sauce. This ensures every strand is flavorful and well-coated, creating a perfectly unified dish.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. The green onions offer a fresh, vibrant crunch, while the sesame seeds add a toasty nutty contrast, making your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to brighten the meal with crisp, fresh greens. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar also complements the robust flavors of the noodles wonderfully, cutting through the richness for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added texture. You could also plate it with a side of crispy fried wontons to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so this dish makes for an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the noodles completely and transfer them into a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of noodles might soften slightly after freezing, but the robust sauce remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This method ensures the noodles warm evenly without drying out or sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, you can substitute with rice noodles, spaghetti, or even egg noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the noodle type.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The sauce flavors are rich enough to shine even without meat.
How spicy is the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
The red pepper flakes give this dish a mild, pleasant heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming you. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your preferred spice level.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned for meal prep. Just reheat it gently before eating to retain the best texture and flavor.
What kind of hoisin sauce should I use?
Look for a good quality hoisin sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess. Many Asian markets carry authentic versions, but popular grocery brands work just fine to give that signature taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and comforting recipe to add to your repertoire, I can’t recommend this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe enough. Its fantastic blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped around tender noodles is pure deliciousness in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new kitchen favorites!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, savory ginger and garlic, and a rich hoisin-soy sauce served over linguine noodles. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it features a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 4 tsp minced ginger
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta
- 1 12 ounce box of linguine noodles
Garnish
- 4 green onions, diced
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef along with minced ginger and minced garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks for even browning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare Pasta: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour the prepared sauce into the cooked beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer briefly so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Noodles: Toss the cooked linguine noodles into the beef and sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Mongolian ground beef noodles to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and a nutty crunch.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish lighter and prevent greasiness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth; if unavailable, a mix of soy sauce with a little honey and Chinese five spice can be substituted.
- Garnish with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
