Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

There's nothing quite like a plate of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, with the savory, slightly sweet sauce clinging to tender noodles and juicy ground beef. The aroma alone, with hints of garlic and ginger, will make your mouth water and your taste buds tingle.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family – it was an instant hit! Inspired by takeout flavors but made easily at home, it quickly became one of our weeknight staples. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious meal, fast.

Let's dive in and see why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table tonight.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Get ready to fall in love with this quick and hearty meal. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are more than just tasty; they’ll become one of your most requested recipes for weeknights.

First, this recipe is unbelievably quick and easy. You can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver when you’re crunched for time. No need to wait for takeout when you can make a healthier, homemade version faster!

Next, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is affordable and always available, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, you get a hearty, filling meal that’s easy on the wallet.

The flavors are out of this world. The combination of savory soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh garlic, and ginger creates an irresistible balance of sweet and salty that will leave everyone scraping their plates clean.

Lastly, this dish is endlessly customizable. You can add your favorite veggies, swap the noodles for a different kind, or adjust the spice level to your taste. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or experimenting with what’s left in your fridge, this recipe will accommodate.

Ready to make dinner extraordinary? Let’s dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.

Ground Beef: The base of this dish, ground beef, is hearty and rich. I recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) so you get the flavor without too much excess grease. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutes.

Soy Sauce: The key to the savory depth in this recipe. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness and let the flavors balance beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute.

Brown Sugar: Adds the iconic sweetness that balances out the salty soy sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness, or try using honey for a different flavor twist.

Garlic and Ginger: These two are essential for building authentic, aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger add a kick of warmth and zest. If you’re in a pinch, jarred garlic and ground ginger will do, but fresh really makes a difference.

Noodles: I love using lo mein noodles for this dish because they’re sturdy and soak up the sauce well. You can also use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even ramen – just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Vegetables: While this recipe doesn’t require any specific veggies, adding broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can make it more colorful and nutritious. Fresh or frozen, either will work!

Special equipment: A large skillet or wok is ideal for cooking everything evenly and quickly.

How To Make This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a breeze, and you’ll be amazed at how flavorful it turns out. Follow these simple steps:

Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside. It’s important to slightly undercook the noodles, as they’ll finish cooking when mixed with the sauce.

While the noodles are cooking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef as it cooks and season lightly with salt and pepper. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess grease from the pan.

Next, add the aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.

Now it’s time to make the sauce. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water or beef broth. Pour the sauce over the beef, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken and meld the flavors together.

Finally, toss in the noodles. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. At this point, you can also throw in any vegetables you’re using. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.

From start to finish, you’re looking at a total time of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat!

Storage Options

Have leftovers? This dish keeps well and makes for a tasty lunch the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making the noodles even more delicious.
• Freeze: You can freeze the noodles in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave them in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how easily you can customize it.

Protein Swap: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu work beautifully. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some proteins cook faster than others.

Vegetarian Option: Make this dish vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or cubed tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust seasonings to taste.

Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. You can also sauté sliced jalapeños with the garlic and ginger for an extra kick.

Veggie Boost: Add in your favorite vegetables to make this a more balanced meal. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas are fantastic choices. Just be sure to chop them small enough so they cook quickly.

Noodle Variations: As mentioned earlier, feel free to use your preferred noodles. Rice noodles, spaghetti, or even spiralized veggies like zucchini or sweet potato can be great alternatives.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Enjoy experimenting, and let me know how you made it uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

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