Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty and quick meal! With ground beef, soft noodles, and a mix of savory sauces, this dish is full of flavor and comfort.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious in a hurry. I love to sprinkle some green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I like to use spaghetti for its easy availability, but lo mein or any other Asian noodles work perfectly too. If you need a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or quinoa noodles!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives great flavor, but you could use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Tofu or tempeh can be great substitutes for a vegetarian option!
Soy Sauce: A key flavor booster! If you’re watching your sodium intake, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is also a good gluten-free alternative.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have hoisin, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or peanut butter for a similar flavor.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best, but if you don’t have it, you can use garlic powder (1/4 tsp) or ground ginger (1/4 tsp). Keep in mind it’ll be less aromatic!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef for This Dish?
Cooking ground beef perfectly is all about managing the heat and breaking it apart. Here’s how you can achieve the best results:
- Start by heating your skillet or wok with vegetable oil on medium-high heat. This allows the beef to brown nicely.
- Add the ground beef in a single layer and let it sit untouched for a minute to develop a nice sear, then break it apart with your spatula.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully browned, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
These steps will give your beef a great flavor and texture, making the entire dish more enjoyable!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces noodles (spaghetti or lo mein)
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and about 15 minutes making the beef and sauce mix. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them thoroughly and set them aside. This will be the base for your delicious dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks.
3. Add the Flavor:
After the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about a minute until it smells amazing and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Mix the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, grab a small bowl and combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Mix it all together until smooth.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the beef to soak up all those yummy flavors!
6. Add the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated. Cook it all for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Give it a final toss, and then you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your tasty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and lo mein are great choices, feel free to use any noodles you have on hand, such as rice noodles or udon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of noodle you choose.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat are excellent alternatives. If using leaner meats, you may want to add a little extra oil to prevent sticking and keep the dish flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles if they become dry.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Of course! For added heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking the beef. You can also drizzle a bit of sriracha or chili oil over the dish when serving for an extra kick!
