Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles — Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and quick to make, these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are your new go-to dish! With tender noodles coated in a rich, garlicky soy sauce and savory ground beef, this meal brings all the sweet and salty magic of classic Mongolian beef — but with half the effort and cost.
It’s the perfect 30-minute dinner that tastes like takeout but comes straight from your own kitchen. Pair it with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for that restaurant-quality finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes — perfect for busy nights.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Family favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
- Better than takeout: Comfort food meets Asian-inspired flavor in one pan.
- Ingredients
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
- ½ cup beef broth or water
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- Salt, for boiling water
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, toasted
- Optional: a drizzle of sriracha for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Ginger
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — this step builds the foundation of that rich Mongolian flavor.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for a thicker sauce, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Stir well and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated in the savory sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — you can add a touch more soy sauce or sugar depending on your preference.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Noodles
- Choose the right noodles: Lo mein, ramen, or even fettuccine work beautifully.
- Thicken your sauce: A cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) makes the sauce glossy and clingy.
- Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, shredded carrots, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Make it spicy: Add chili paste, sriracha, or a few drops of sesame chili oil.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked noodles and beef for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations
- Mongolian Chicken Noodles: Use ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast instead of beef.
- Mongolian Veggie Noodles: Skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, snap peas, and peppers.
- Sweet & Spicy Version: Mix honey with chili paste for a sweet heat combo.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~430
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle recipe is the perfect weeknight hero — fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting, restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes.
It’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced — the kind of meal that makes you want to lick the bowl clean. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never disappoints.
