Nothing beats a quick weeknight dinner like this Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe.
After a busy day, when time is of the essence, a comforting bowl of noodles becomes a family favorite. This dish marries the rich flavors of ground beef with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. The ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry, which means you can whip it up without needing to plan an elaborate shopping trip.
"This dish was the perfect solution for a busy weeknight! My kids devoured it and even asked for seconds!"
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe isn’t just easy—it’s also incredibly delicious and budget-friendly. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a wholesome meal that feels like takeout but is made right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have much time but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress friends, this dish shines in its versatility. You can easily adapt it for various dietary preferences, making it a go-to for gatherings, holidays, or even that midweek cooking slump.
Preparing Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
This recipe comes together in a series of straightforward steps that make cooking feel like a breeze. You’ll start by cooking the noodles, then move on to browning the beef, and finally, mix everything with a flavorful sauce. The whole process can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Gather these items
To whip up your Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) of noodles (spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Feel free to use any type of noodles you have on hand. If you need to make this gluten-free, opt for rice noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy it!
Step-by-step instructions
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Cook the Noodles: Begin by boiling the noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside.
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Cook the Beef: In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Break it apart as it cooks, and drain any excess fat.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell their fragrant aroma.
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Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the beef in the pan and stir to combine.
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Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
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Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to your pan, tossing everything together until the noodles are generously coated with sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds over your dish just before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving, presentation is key! A colorful plate can elevate the entire meal. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For added color and crunch, consider adding steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple salad or some pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of egg rolls would bring an extra touch of flavor.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers can be a lifesaver! To store, allow the noodles to cool completely and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to bring back the moisture.
If you want to save them for the long term, this dish also freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 3 months. Remember, food safety is important—always cool foods before freezing.
Helpful cooking tips
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Prep in Advance: If you know you’re going to make this dish during a busy week, chop your garlic and ginger ahead of time. This small step will save you precious time in the kitchen!
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Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar.
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Don’t Rinse Noodles: Rinse your noodles only if you’re using pasta, as this can wash away valuable starches. For udon or rice noodles, it’s best to leave them as is to help the sauce stick better.
Creative twists
There are countless ways to give this dish your personal touch! For a spicy kick, toss in more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. You could also try a sesame or peanut sauce twist instead of the hoisin for a different flavor profile.
Incorporating seasonal vegetables can also elevate your dish—zucchini, bell peppers, or bok choy would complement the flavors perfectly, adding color and texture.
FAQ – Your questions answered
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Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Ground turkey or chicken will work well, just adjust cooking times accordingly. -
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative such as crumbled tofu or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. -
What are some good side dishes?
Scrambled eggs or a simple salad work nicely. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition. -
How long does this take to make?
From start to finish, you can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. -
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients a day in advance. Just keep everything stored separately until you’re ready to cook.
Enjoy your meal!
With its delightful blend of flavors and speedy preparation, this Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Happy cooking!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by boiling the noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Break it apart as it cooks, and drain any excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the beef in the pan and stir to combine.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated with sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish just before serving.