Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a beloved comfort food in many households, and it’s easy to see why. This dish is a tasty twist on Mongolian beef, a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. In this recipe, tender noodles combine with savory ground beef, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a sweet and slightly spicy sauce to create a bowl that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Traditionally, Mongolian beef features thin slices of beef stir-fried with vegetables and tossed in a rich sauce, but this ground beef version keeps all those flavors while making it even more accessible. Ground beef is not only economical but also cooks up quickly, letting you pull this dish together in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to customize too—swap in veggies you have on hand, or adjust the spice level to your preference. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; this dish is ready in around 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ground beef and simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Flavor-Packed: The sauce brings in bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love the sweet and savory combination.
- Customizable: Add veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rice noodles or your preferred noodle
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground lamb or ground turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. The noodles are what make this dish hearty and comforting, absorbing the flavors from the sauce beautifully. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Ground beef brings a lovely depth of flavor and, since it cooks quickly, makes this a perfect option for fast dinners. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed. - Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant—just about 1 minute. These ingredients give the dish its distinct Mongolian flavor profile with warmth and a little spice. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch. The brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the noodles and beef. - Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, coating the beef well. The fragrance at this point is irresistible, with the ginger and garlic mingling with the rich sauce. - Add the Noodles
Toss the noodles into the skillet, gently stirring to combine and coat them in the sauce. The noodles should be tender and flavorful, soaking up the rich sauce. - Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These garnishes add color, crunch, and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Choose Your Noodles: While rice noodles are traditional, feel free to use any noodles you have on hand—spaghetti or lo mein noodles work well too.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach are great additions to sneak in some veggies.
- Adjusting Spice: Control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a mild version, you can skip them entirely.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American Inspired
- Diet: Beef or Lamb Alternative Friendly
Notes:
- Ground Beef Substitute: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different twist.
- Sugar Substitution: For a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground lamb can be a great alternative for a lighter flavor or for those who don’t eat beef.
What kind of noodles work best?
Rice noodles work wonderfully, but any noodles you have, such as spaghetti or udon, are good options. Just cook according to package instructions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
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Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice, creating a bowl of comfort that’s both filling and flavorful. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s the ideal meal for those nights when you want something fast and satisfying. Once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple recipe that you return to time and time again. So gather your ingredients, and in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels both familiar and special. Enjoy!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a beloved comfort food in many households, and it’s easy to see why. This dish is a tasty twist on Mongolian beef, a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. In this recipe, tender noodles combine with savory ground beef, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a sweet and slightly spicy sauce to create a bowl that’s packed with flavor and texture. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Traditionally, Mongolian beef features thin slices of beef stir-fried with vegetables and tossed in a rich sauce, but this ground beef version keeps all those flavors while making it even more accessible. Ground beef is not only economical but also cooks up quickly, letting you pull this dish together in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to customize too—swap in veggies you have on hand, or adjust the spice level to your preference. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles or your preferred noodle
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (can substitute with ground lamb or ground turkey)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. The noodles are what make this dish hearty and comforting, absorbing the flavors from the sauce beautifully. - Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Ground beef brings a lovely depth of flavor and, since it cooks quickly, makes this a perfect option for fast dinners. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed. - Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant—just about 1 minute. These ingredients give the dish its distinct Mongolian flavor profile with warmth and a little spice. - Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and cornstarch. The brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to the noodles and beef. - Combine Everything
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, coating the beef well. The fragrance at this point is irresistible, with the ginger and garlic mingling with the rich sauce. - Add the Noodles
Toss the noodles into the skillet, gently stirring to combine and coat them in the sauce. The noodles should be tender and flavorful, soaking up the rich sauce. - Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These garnishes add color, crunch, and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ground Beef Substitute: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, lamb, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different twist.
- Sugar Substitution: For a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.