Okay, so you know those nights when you *just* need something delicious to hit the table, like, yesterday? That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. It’s my absolute go-to when I’m craving that deep, savory, slightly sweet flavor bomb without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver! I first threw this together on a crazy weeknight when my fridge was looking a little sad, and wow, it turned out to be pure magic. It’s become a regular rotation at my house, and trust me, it’ll become one of yours too!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this dish, because it’s seriously a winner:
- Lightning Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 30 minutes flat. Perfect for those super busy nights!
- Super Savory Flavor: That signature Mongolian sauce? It’s the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and umami that just coats everything beautifully.
- So Easy to Make: No fancy tricks here. Even if you’re new to stir-frying, you can totally nail this.
- Uses Pantry Staples: Most of the ingredients are things you probably already have on hand, which is always a bonus.
- Kid-Approved (and Adult-Approved!): It’s got that comforting noodle and beef combo that everyone seems to enjoy.
- Customizable: Don’t like it too sweet? Want it spicier? You can totally tweak it to your liking!
Gather Your Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Okay, so before we get this deliciousness going, let’s get our ducks in a row! Having everything prepped makes this go SO much smoother. You’ll need:
- 1 pound of ground beef (I usually go for 80/20, it has great flavor!)
- 8 ounces of egg noodles – they just soak up that sauce perfectly, don’t they?
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, all minced up nice and fine
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated. Trust me, fresh is way better than the powder here!
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce (low sodium is fine if you prefer!)
- 1/4 cup of beef broth
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar – this is key for that signature sweet and savory balance
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes – totally optional, but if you like a little kick, add ’em!
- 2 green onions, sliced for that pop of freshness at the end.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic really happens, and it’s way easier than you think. Honestly, watching it all come together is half the fun. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time.
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, get those noodles going! You’ll want a nice big pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil, and toss in your egg noodles. Give ’em a stir right when you add them so they don’t stick together – nobody wants a noodle clump, right? Cook them according to the package directions, usually around 5-7 minutes. You want them *al dente*, not mushy. Once they’re done, drain them really well and set them aside. A little splash of cold water can help stop them from sticking further if you’re not mixing them in right away. If you’re looking for other noodle ideas, check out this shrimp stir with noodles recipe too!
Preparing the Mongolian Sauce
Now for the star of the show: the sauce! Grab a big skillet – a wok works great if you have one – and add your tablespoon of vegetable oil. Get it hot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and just break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, and then you’ll want to drain off any extra grease. Nobody likes a greasy dish, so get that oil out of there! Next, toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Oh, the smell! That’ll cook for just about a minute until it’s super fragrant. Then, in a little bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and that tablespoon of water. Make sure you whisk it really well so there are no lumps of cornstarch – nobody wants a gummy sauce! Pour this lovely mixture right into the skillet with the beef. If you’re feeling a little spicy, now’s the time to add those red pepper flakes. Stir it all around, and let it bubble and simmer. It’ll thicken up super fast, like 2-3 minutes, into this rich, glossy sauce that just coats the back of your spoon like a dream. That cornstarch is a real wizard!
Combining and Finishing Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Got your noodles ready? Got your saucy beef? Perfect! Now, just dump those cooked noodles right into the skillet with all that amazing Mongolian goodness. Give it a good toss, making sure every single strand of noodle is coated in that savory sauce. It looks so good when it’s all combined, doesn’t it? Finally, sprinkle those gorgeous sliced green onions over the top. They add a little freshness and a pop of color that makes it look like you fussed over it for hours. Serve it up hot, and get ready for some serious compliments!
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Okay, so you’ve made the dish, but want to make it *even better* next time? Or maybe you’re just curious about shaking things up a bit? I totally get it! Here are some of my favorite little tricks and ideas that really make this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe sing. If you like this, you might also want to check out my ground beef protein bowl for another easy weeknight win!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes you just don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for, or you’re just feeling adventurous! If you can’t find egg noodles, don’t stress. Spaghetti or even ramen noodles can work in a pinch, though egg noodles really do have that perfect chew. For the protein, ground turkey or chicken are good leaner options, though they might not have quite the same rich flavor. If you want to dial up the sweetness, add a tiny bit more brown sugar, or if you like it spicier, definitely bump up those red pepper flakes or even add a dash of sriracha to the sauce itself. Easy peasy!
Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers
This is such a great dish for leftovers because the flavors actually get *better* overnight! I often cook the noodles and the beef/sauce separately when I have a moment. Then, when dinner time rolls around, I just heat them up and toss them together. If you’ve got leftovers, just let them cool down completely before popping them into an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, but you can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Sometimes I add a tiny splash of water or broth if it looks a little dry after sitting in the fridge. And while we’re talking ground beef, you should totally try my ground beef zucchini skillet dinner too!
Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
So, you’ve got this amazing bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, but what else can you add to make it a full meal? Sometimes I like to keep it simple and just let the noodles shine, but if you want to round things out, a nice crisp side is perfect. A simple Asian-inspired slaw with crunchy cabbage and a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, for something a bit different, a scoop of fluffy rice on the side wouldn’t hurt! And if you’re looking for a delicious veggie side, you HAVE to try these roasted veggies – the creamy tahini sauce is just divine with these noodles.
Got questions about whipping up these amazing Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little details. Here are some of the things people usually ask me:
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, ground turkey or chicken work really well too. They might be a little leaner, but they soak up that delicious Mongolian sauce like a dream!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a good kick, you’re in luck! Just add more red pepper flakes when you’re making the sauce. You could also stir in a little bit of sriracha or some chili garlic sauce at the end. Experiment and find your perfect heat level!
What kind of noodles work best?
I really love egg noodles for this dish because their slightly chewy texture is perfect for catching all that savory sauce. But honestly, don’t feel limited! Spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles can be super tasty alternatives if that’s what you have.
Nutritional Information for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and how much you eat! But, generally speaking, a serving of these delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will give you around 550 calories, about 30g of protein, 50g of carbs, and 25g of fat. It’s a pretty satisfying meal!
Share Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Creations!
I’ve shared my go-to method for these amazing Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, and now I want to hear from YOU! Did you make it? How did it turn out? I absolutely love seeing your creations and hearing your stories about the recipe! Drop a comment below, give it a star rating if you enjoyed it, or tag me on social media! You can also learn more about me here. Happy cooking!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring ground beef and noodles in a savory Mongolian sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir in red pepper flakes, if using.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring, until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute other types of noodles if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, ground beef, noodles, easy dinner, Asian noodles, quick meal