Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles — Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

If you love the sweet, savory, garlicky goodness of takeout-style Mongolian beef but want something quicker (and budget-friendly), this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe will be your new favorite.

It takes all the bold Asian-inspired flavors — soy, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame — and tosses them together with tender noodles and perfectly browned ground beef. The result is a saucy, comforting dish that comes together in just 25 minutes but tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

It’s a family favorite, meal-prep friendly, and the perfect go-to for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Sauce:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup beef broth (or water)
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional but adds depth)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Noodles & Garnish:

12 oz spaghetti, lo mein, or ramen noodles
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for brightness)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse lightly with warm water, and set aside.

Tip: Toss the noodles with a small drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.

Drain off any excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger directly to the cooked beef. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant — this releases that signature Mongolian flavor base.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef.

Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Once bubbling, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens slightly — it should coat the back of a spoon. This should take 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots (if using) to the skillet. Toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon until the noodles are fully coated in the glossy Mongolian sauce.

Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes so the noodles absorb all that delicious flavor.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in rice vinegar or lime juice to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Top with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a restaurant-style finish. Serve hot and enjoy that irresistible sweet-salty-savory balance in every bite!

Serving Ideas

With Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
With Egg: Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for a ramen-inspired twist.
Spicy Kick: Mix in Sriracha or chili oil if you love heat.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Noodles

Don’t skip the cornstarch: It gives the sauce that silky texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Use fresh ginger if possible: It adds a zesty depth that powdered ginger can’t quite match.
Make it ahead: The flavors deepen overnight — just reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Try other proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu work great in this recipe!

Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe delivers everything you crave from takeout — bold flavors, glossy sauce, chewy noodles — all made in one pan in less than 30 minutes.

It’s simple, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want a cozy, flavorful dinner that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.