If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is your perfect go-to. This dish combines savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal brings the rich flavors of Mongolian cuisine straight to your table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Affordable Ingredients: Uses pantry staples.
- Flavor-Packed: A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to taste.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one pan!
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Mongolian-inspired beef noodle dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious ground beef noodle dish, gather the following simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef is ideal for less grease.
- 10 oz linguine or spaghetti – Any long pasta works, but these absorb sauce well.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds deep flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced – Essential for that signature Mongolian taste.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – The base of the savory sauce.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and richness.
- 1/4 cup beef broth – Helps create a silky sauce.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar – Balances the salty and umami notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a mild heat kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water – To mix with cornstarch for a slurry.
- 2 green onions, chopped – For garnish and freshness.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional) – Adds a nutty crunch.
Step-By-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine or spaghetti, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned. This should take 4-5 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it before proceeding.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Ginger
Add minced garlic and fresh ginger to the browned beef. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Beef broth
- Brown sugar
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
- Black pepper
Pour this rich Mongolian sauce into the skillet, stirring everything together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add it to the skillet, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 6: Toss the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to evenly coat them in the flavorful sauce.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Adjust sweetness by increasing or reducing brown sugar.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Swap proteins – Try ground turkey or chicken as a variation.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty noodle dish with:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy for added greens.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
- A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
2. Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and beef separately. Cook fresh noodles when serving.
3. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
Use a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little honey for a similar flavor.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy with red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a milder taste.
5. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Try rice noodles, fettuccine, or even ramen for a different texture.
Conclusion
This Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that’s easy, affordable, and packed with flavor. With its sweet, savory, and umami-rich sauce, tender noodles, and juicy beef, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and experience a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes!