Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Are you craving something savory, a little sweet, and packed with flavor? Say hello to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles—a dish that checks all the boxes! It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. With tender ground beef, chewy noodles, and that irresistible Mongolian-inspired sauce, this meal will become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation.

The beauty of this dish lies in how simple it is, yet it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The sweet soy-based sauce infuses the beef with a depth of flavor, while garlic and ginger bring that aromatic zing. And let’s not forget those noodles! They soak up all the delicious sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures. Trust me, once you dig in, you won’t want to put your fork down!

Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful meal that feels like it took hours. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Comforting and Hearty: With ground beef and noodles, it’s the kind of meal that fills you up without being too heavy.
• Savory-Sweet Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar creates a savory yet sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, add extra heat with chili flakes, or play with the sweetness to match your tastes.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this one. It’s got all the flavors that everyone craves, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best, as it browns nicely and doesn’t release too much fat.
• Noodles: I recommend lo mein or egg noodles, but you can use any pasta or noodle you have on hand (spaghetti works in a pinch!).
• Soy Sauce: For that deep, salty umami flavor. Go for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a bit of sweetness and richness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• Brown Sugar: To bring a little sweetness to the sauce. It’s a key player in that signature Mongolian flavor.
• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for building layers of flavor. Their aromatic kick makes this dish irresistible.
• Green Onions: For garnish and that fresh, crispy bite. They also add a pop of color.
• Sesame Oil: A little drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a nutty finish to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give the dish just the right amount of spice.
• Cornstarch: To help thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the noodles and beef.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dig into this mouthwatering dish? Let’s make it happen!

1. Cook the Noodles:

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. I like to toss them with a little sesame oil or olive oil to keep them from sticking together.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then, pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer and thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes.

4. Thicken the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce and stir well. The sauce should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a little more cornstarch mixture.

5. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once everything is mixed together and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in bowls, garnished with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you have them. For a little extra kick, top with red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

These noodles are a meal on their own, but here are a few ideas for what to serve with them to make a full spread:

• Steamed Vegetables: Pair these noodles with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a veggie boost.
• Egg Rolls: Serve with crispy, golden egg rolls on the side for that classic Asian takeout experience.
• Side Salad: A simple cucumber and carrot salad with a tangy dressing makes a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, savory noodles.
• Pickled Vegetables: For a burst of tanginess, try serving with quick-pickled cucumbers, carrots, or daikon radish.

Additional Tips

• Add Vegetables: You can easily add veggies to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Try adding sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snow peas along with the garlic and ginger.
• Make It Spicy: If you love spice, add sliced fresh chilies or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can even toss in a tablespoon of Sriracha for a little heat.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great in place of beef.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy leftovers the next day! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any noodles for this recipe?
A1: Yes! While lo mein noodles are ideal, you can use egg noodles, spaghetti, or rice noodles as well. Just cook according to the package instructions.

Q2: Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the ground beef mixture and noodles separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q3: Can I substitute the hoisin sauce?
A3: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a dash of vinegar, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and noodles, making sure all your ingredients are gluten-free.

Q5: What if I don’t have cornstarch?
A5: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce. Just make a slurry with a little flour and water and stir it into the sauce.

With these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you get the perfect balance of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy all in one bowl. It’s the kind of dish that’ll satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more! Enjoy!

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