Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a savory, stir-fried dish that combines ground beef with tender noodles in a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce. The ground beef is browned and cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then tossed with cooked noodles and a savory sauce made from hoisin, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. The result is a flavorful, satisfying meal with the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of spice. It’s a quick, one-pan dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you’re craving something delicious and comforting.
I first made Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles when I was in the mood for something Asian-inspired but wanted a simpler, faster version of a classic stir-fry. The combination of ground beef and noodles is a twist on traditional Mongolian beef, and the sauce comes together quickly, delivering the same bold flavors without any fuss. The noodles soak up all the savory sauce, while the ground beef adds richness and protein.
What I love most about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how versatile it is. You can use any type of noodles you like—ramen, udon, or rice noodles—and add in vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for extra crunch and color. The dish is easy to make in just under 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep for the week. The flavors are bold, comforting, and always satisfying.
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Busy nights
- Family meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Asian-inspired cuisine lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will become your go-to dinner recipe:
- Savory and Sweet Sauce: The sauce balances salty soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar for a perfect sweet-savory flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and noodles, it’s a meal that keeps you full.
- Versatile Vegetables: Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, from bell peppers to broccoli.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with just one skillet to prepare this dish.
- Flavorful Stir-Fry: The stir-frying technique ensures the beef and vegetables soak up the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, this dish is a hit with both adults and kids.
- Leftover-Friendly: This dish keeps well in the fridge for easy leftovers the next day.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili flakes.
- Affordable and Accessible Ingredients: With common pantry items and easy-to-find vegetables, this recipe is cost-effective.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Mongolian Beef Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ cup water
For the Ground Beef Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups cooked noodles (egg noodles or ramen work well)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes
Ingredient Highlights
- Soy Sauce: The salty, savory base for the sauce, bringing deep umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: A thick, sweet sauce that enriches the dish with its bold flavor.
- Ground Beef: Quick-cooking and packed with protein, making it the perfect base for this stir-fry.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a slight tang to balance the richness of the beef and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Mongolian Beef Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Combine the Sauce and Noodles:
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared Mongolian beef sauce into the pan, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Noodles: Toss in the cooked noodles, stirring well to combine and heat through.
Serve:
- Garnish: Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chili flakes if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
- As a Weeknight Dinner: Serve this dish as a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- For a Family Meal: Make it a one-pan meal that everyone will enjoy.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add extra steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition.
- As a Leftover Lunch: Pack up leftovers for a satisfying lunch the next day.
- With Rice: If you prefer, serve the Mongolian beef mixture over steamed rice instead of noodles.
- With Extra Heat: Add some chili paste or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Make a large batch ahead of time for several days of easy meals.
- With Dumplings: Pair the noodles with steamed dumplings for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.
- As a Comfort Food Dish: Serve it as a warm, comforting meal when you’re craving something savory.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more water to the mixture.
- Use Any Noodles: Feel free to swap out the noodles for whatever you have on hand, like rice noodles or spaghetti.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: For more heat, add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re cooking for a crowd, cook the beef in batches to ensure it browns evenly.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Mongolian Noodles: Swap out the ground beef for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Chicken Mongolian Noodles: Replace ground beef with ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter alternative.
- Spicy Mongolian Noodles: Add extra chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy twist on this dish.
- Mongolian Beef with Vegetables: Increase the vegetable ratio for a more veggie-packed version.
- Gluten-Free Mongolian Noodles: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Mongolian Beef Noodles: Swap the ground beef for ground steak for a different flavor profile.
- Beef and Broccoli Noodles: Add steamed broccoli to the dish for a take on the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Wok: A large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the Mongolian beef sauce ingredients.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To break apart the beef and stir-fry the ingredients.
- Tongs: For tossing the noodles and beef together.
- Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of sauce ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet. - Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. - How long will this dish last in the fridge?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and add the noodles when ready to serve. - What noodles are best for this recipe?
Egg noodles, ramen, or even spaghetti noodles work well in this dish. - Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to make it more or less sweet. - How can I make the dish spicier?
Add chili flakes, chili paste, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce to increase the heat. - Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free version or oyster sauce for a more authentic flavor. - How do I make this dish less greasy?
Drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding the vegetables and sauce.
Conclusion
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The savory, slightly sweet Mongolian sauce, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, coats the ground beef and noodles, creating a rich and delicious stir-fry. Add some green onions for freshness and a bit of heat with red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. The ground beef is cooked with garlic and ginger, soaking up the rich Mongolian sauce, and then tossed with tender noodles to absorb all the flavor. The green onions and optional toppings like sesame seeds give a burst of color and crunch that takes the dish to the next level.
I’d love to see your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your flavorful stir-fry masterpieces. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun twists or veggies that made your noodles uniquely yours!
