Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

If you’re craving a quick, hearty meal that’s packed with bold flavors, look no further than this Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. Combining tender ground beef, a savory sauce bursting with umami, and soft, slurp-worthy noodles, this dish delivers satisfying comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking chops, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles bring simplicity and irresistible taste together on one plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Bold Flavors: A delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates an unforgettable taste.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses accessible ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples.
  • Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, great for any dinner table.
  • Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or protein swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a delicious meal. From the savory soy sauce to the tender noodles, every component enhances the dish’s signature flavor and texture.

  • Ground Beef: Choose lean or regular to control richness and juiciness.
  • Soy Sauce: The salty base that brings savory depth and umami.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics that boost flavor with warmth and zest.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances saltiness with subtle sweetness for the perfect sauce.
  • Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion crunch as a topping.
  • Wide Noodles: Soft, chewy noodles soak up all the delicious sauce.
  • Vegetable Oil: For cooking beef evenly and adding a slight crispness.

Variations for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Feel free to tailor this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s flexible and forgiving, making it a fantastic base to experiment with flavors and textures.

  • Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for different tastes and textures.
  • Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
  • Spice It Up: Toss in chili flakes or sriracha to give the dish a fiery kick.
  • Gluten-Free: Substitute regular noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness without losing flavor.
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Begin by cooking your preferred wide noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss them lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking, then set aside while you make the sauce and beef mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet with the beef, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, pour in soy sauce and sprinkle brown sugar, stirring well to combine everything into a glossy, thick sauce that envelopes the beef.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Beef

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the noodles soak up all that saucy goodness. Warm through for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, enjoying the mix of tender beef, savory sauce, and luscious noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Choose the Right Noodles: Wide egg noodles work best to hold the sauce, but thick rice noodles can be a good alternative.
  • Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook just until browned to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Fresh Aromatics Are Key: Fresh garlic and ginger deliver more vibrant flavors than powders.
  • Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with less brown sugar and add more to balance the salty soy sauce to your liking.
  • Use High Heat to Sauté: Cooking on medium-high heat helps create a slightly caramelized flavor in the meat.
  • Reserve Some Sauce: If you like it saucier, whisk together soy sauce, water, and a dash of cornstarch separately to add before combining noodles.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Garnishes

Topping your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild bite that balances the savory richness. For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for depth and aroma.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls with a soft-boiled egg on top or garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture. You can even serve it over sautéed greens for a nutritious, colorful meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate noodles from sauce if possible to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, with sauce and noodles separated if feasible, to maintain the best texture. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the beef tender and noodles from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

Absolutely! Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti for a quick alternative.

Is this dish spicy?

No, the classic Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to spice it up according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced tofu and use vegetarian soy sauce to keep it delicious and meat-free.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the bubbling sauce until it thickens.

What sides complement Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles best?

Steamed veggies, a fresh cucumber salad, or even simple roasted broccoli are fantastic companions that balance the richness of the noodles.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a wonderful go-to for anyone who loves quick, tasty meals loaded with flavor and texture. It’s simple enough to whip up any night, yet special enough to feel like a treat. Give it a try; your next favorite dinner could be just one skillet away!

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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Adjustable; can be gluten-free with noodle substitution

Description

This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe offers a quick, hearty meal bursting with bold umami flavors from a savory soy sauce, garlic, and ginger sauce combined with tender ground beef and soft wide noodles. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s simple, budget-friendly, and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 oz wide egg noodles (or substitute with wide rice noodles for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a milder saltiness)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the wide noodles according to the package instructions until tender. Drain well and toss with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet with the beef, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the soy sauce and sprinkle the brown sugar over the beef mixture, stirring well to create a glossy, thick sauce that coats the beef.
  4. Combine Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles soak up the sauce. Warm through for 2 additional minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting blend of tender beef, savory sauce, and flavorful noodles.

Notes

  • Use wide egg noodles for best sauce absorption, or substitute with thick rice noodles for gluten-free.
  • Cook beef just until browned to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger bring more vibrant flavor than powders—use fresh whenever possible.
  • Adjust brown sugar gradually to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce to your liking.
  • Cooking over medium-high heat helps develop caramelized flavors in the beef.
  • If you prefer it saucier, whisk together soy sauce, water, and cornstarch and add before tossing noodles.
  • Protein swaps like ground chicken, turkey, or tofu can be used for variations.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for texture and color.
  • To spice up, add chili flakes or sriracha according to preference.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge up to 3 days; separate noodles and sauce if possible to prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze portions for up to 2 months, separating sauce and noodles if feasible.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce and keep texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Mongolian noodles, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, savory beef noodles, Asian noodle dish, umami sauce, comfort food

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