Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp ground ginger; 1 cup sliced green onions; ¼ cup water; Optional garnish: sesame seeds

If you’re searching for an unbelievably quick and satisfying dinner, look no further than this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Imagine perfectly sauced noodles tossed with tender ground beef and savory, sweet, and garlicky Mongolian flavors—all ready in just about 25 minutes. It’s a comfort food classic that’s equally at home on a weeknight table or as a crowd-pleasing dish for friends. Whether you’re aiming for a fast meal or wanting to add a new go-to to your gluten-free repertoire, this recipe brings big flavor with simple steps you’ll love revisiting.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on easily accessible ingredients that each play a tasty role. From the umami blast of soy sauce to fresh green onions, every item here makes a difference in texture, color, or bold flavor.

Spaghetti or lo mein noodles (8 oz): The base that carries the sweet-savory sauce; go gluten-free if you prefer!
Ground beef (1 lb): Rich and juicy, it soaks up all the delicious flavors and makes the dish hearty.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds depth and an irresistible aroma that kicks off the cooking process.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): The essential salty element; use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Hoisin sauce (¼ cup): Brings sweetness and a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Delivers a mellow caramelized note for balance.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): Just a splash lends toasty nuttiness and authentic flair.
Ground ginger (½ tsp): Brightens the overall profile with a zingy undertone.
Sliced green onions (1 cup): For freshness, crunch, and a pop of color throughout the dish.
Water (¼ cup): Helps meld the ingredients and creates the luscious sauce.
Optional garnish—sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for a final touch of crunch and visual flair.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using spaghetti or traditional lo mein, you want them just al dente—tender but with a little bite. Drain the noodles well and set aside, ready to soak up the flavor-packed sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Crumble it up with your spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Once it’s lost its pink color and is nicely caramelized, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and not greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Add the minced garlic straight into the skillet with the beef. Stir it around for about a minute, letting that incredible aroma fill your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—you just want it fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Build the Mongolian Sauce

Now for the flavor bomb! Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and water. Mix everything together and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and begin to coat the beef in glossy sweetness and umami richness—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Toss Noodles and Green Onions

Add the drained noodles and most of the sliced green onions to the skillet. Gently toss and combine until every strand is nudged with sauce and flecked with herbs. This is where the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe really comes to life with its vivid color and texture.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the noodles to bowls or a platter. Sprinkle over sesame seeds and extra green onions if you’d like. The dish is best enjoyed hot, so don’t wait too long—dig in while the flavors are at their brightest!

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter. For this recipe, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a scattering of freshly sliced green onions do wonders to elevate the final dish. They add a pop of flavor, color, and just the right amount of crunch to every mouthful.

Side Dishes

Round out your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, a crisp Asian slaw, or some cucumber salad. These sides not only balance the savory notes, but also bring even more texture and vibrancy to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the noodles into mini bowls for party appetizers, serving over a bed of stir-fried veggies for a healthy twist, or adding a handful of chopped cilantro and chili flakes for even more punch. Kids love it rolled up in lettuce cups, too—play with presentation for weeknight fun or special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or packed lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your noodles, let them cool completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe freezes quite well for up to 2 months; it’s a lifesaver for meal prep enthusiasts.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce. You can also use the microwave for convenience, reheating in 1-minute bursts and stirring gently in between to ensure even heating without drying out the beef or noodles.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! While the traditional flavor of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe comes from beef, ground turkey or chicken make great lighter options and absorb the sauce beautifully.

What type of noodles work best?

The recipe is wonderfully flexible—use spaghetti, lo mein, or even rice noodles if you need a gluten-free version. Each will deliver a slightly different texture, so pick what you enjoy most!

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of chili oil, or stir in sliced fresh chili peppers when you cook the garlic. The sauce is plenty robust enough to handle a spicy kick!

Is there a way to boost the veggies in this meal?

Definitely! Toss in steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or bell pepper strips along with the noodles for an extra serving of vegetables, color, and nutrition—making the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe even more satisfying.

Can I prepare this for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is a meal prep superstar. Divide into airtight containers for effortless lunches or dinners, and enjoy how the flavors deepen and meld as it rests in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring some excitement to your dinner routine, the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is truly a must-try. It’s easy, flavorful, and bound to become a family favorite. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed how something so quick can be so delicious!