Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional Mongolian beef with the convenience of ground beef and the satisfying texture of noodles. This dish brings together tender ground beef, cooked in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and green onions, all served over your choice of noodles. The result is a quick, delicious meal that delivers authentic Asian flavors without requiring specialized ingredients or techniques.
Why You Should Try Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian beef is a beloved dish in Chinese-American cuisine known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender beef. Traditional versions use thinly sliced flank steak, but this recipe cleverly substitutes ground beef, making it more accessible, affordable, and quicker to prepare. The switch to ground beef doesn’t sacrifice flavor—in fact, the meat absorbs the delicious sauce even more effectively.
What makes this dish truly special is the sauce. A harmonious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and a touch of heat creates a glossy coating that clings to both the beef and noodles. Fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth, while green onions add brightness and color.
The noodle base transforms this from a typical stir-fry to a complete, satisfying meal. You can use virtually any noodle you prefer—lo mein, rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti work beautifully. This flexibility makes it easy to accommodate dietary preferences or simply use what you have on hand.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes. The preparation is straightforward with minimal chopping and cleaning. Despite its simplicity, the result is restaurant-quality flavor that will impress family and friends alike.
This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition, adjust the spice level to suit your taste, or make it gluten-free with tamari and rice noodles. It’s an excellent way to introduce Asian flavors to picky eaters, as the familiar ground beef and sweet sauce appeal to most palates.
Whether you’re looking to expand your weeknight dinner rotation, crave Asian flavors without ordering takeout, or simply want a delicious meal with minimal effort, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles deserves a place in your recipe collection.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers especially delicious.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Store the beef mixture separately from fresh noodles for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
Summary
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses affordable ground beef instead of expensive steak
- Familiar flavors that appeal to the whole family
- One-pan preparation (plus noodle cooking) means minimal cleanup
- Versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences
- Balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and can include vegetables
- No special cooking techniques required
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium pot for cooking noodles
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining noodles
- Small bowl for mixing sauce ingredients
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Beef and Noodles:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 8 ounces noodles of choice (lo mein, rice noodles, udon, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and white parts of green onions to the beef. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine with noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until well coated with sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the green onions, reserving some for garnish. Serve hot, garnished with remaining green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles; keep them slightly al dente as they’ll continue cooking briefly when added to the hot beef mixture.
- When cooking the ground beef, allow it to brown before breaking it up for better flavor development.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, as this dish comes together quickly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before adding the noodles; you may want more sweetness, saltiness, or heat.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry; for a thinner sauce, add a splash of beef broth or water.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level in the dish.
Additional Tips or Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition. Stir-fry harder vegetables before adding the beef, or softer vegetables with the aromatics.
- Protein Substitutions: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes for ground beef.
- Spice Adjustments: Add dried red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies for extra heat. For a milder version, omit the sriracha entirely.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles.
- Extra Umami: Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to the sauce mixture for deeper flavor.
- Garnish Ideas: Try crushed peanuts, fried shallots, or a squeeze of lime juice for different flavor profiles.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Iron: 20% of daily value
- Zinc: 35% of daily value
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, the beef mixture can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best type of noodle to use?
A: Traditional lo mein or udon noodles work best, but any medium-width noodle, including spaghetti, works well.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Add more sriracha, include red pepper flakes, or add sliced fresh chilies to increase the heat.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well. For poultry, you might want to add 1-2 teaspoons of oil if using very lean meat.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the total amount, or substitute coconut aminos for part of the soy sauce.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles exemplifies how simple ingredients and techniques can create extraordinary flavor. This 30-minute meal delivers the beloved taste of Mongolian beef in a more accessible, economical format that’s perfect for busy households. The rich, glossy sauce—balanced between sweet, savory, and just the right hint of heat—transforms humble ground beef into a crave-worthy dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, health-conscious family members, or adventurous foodies, this dish can be customized to please everyone at your table. The straightforward preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal any night of the week, without the takeout price tag.
Consider adding this versatile, delicious recipe to your regular rotation—it’s bound to become a requested favorite that satisfies both your schedule and your taste buds.