Mongolian ground beef noodles have become my absolute weeknight hero! I still remember the first time I tried making them; I was looking for something quick, flavorful, and comforting after a long day, and this recipe delivered in spades. The aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in the pan, followed by that glossy, savory sauce coating tender noodles and savory ground beef, is just pure bliss. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste. Seriously, this ground beef Mongolian noodles dish is so satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Incredible flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice that coats every strand of noodle.
- Speedy prep: This is a truly quick Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples and affordable ground beef for a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters will devour these flavorful noodles, making it a go-to family favorite.
- Healthy-ish: Packed with protein from the ground beef and adaptable for a lighter meal.
- Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level.
- Easy cleanup: Most of the magic happens in one skillet, making this a fantastic quick Mongolian ground beef noodles option.
- Satisfying comfort food: It’s hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying – pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing Mongolian ground beef noodle recipe. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish:
- 10 oz linguine – or your favorite long pasta
- 1 lb ground beef – 80/20 or 90/10 works great for flavor
- 5 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that aromatic base
- 1/3 cup brown sugar – adds the classic sweetness
- 1/4 cup beef broth – for moisture and flavor depth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – the salty, umami backbone
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – key to the glossy, savory ground beef noodles Mongolian sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – brings warmth and spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – for a subtle kick
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – if you like it spicy
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
- 2 tablespoons water – to mix with cornstarch
- 4 green onions, sliced – for a fresh, bright garnish
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Step 1: First, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 10 oz linguine and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. While the pasta cooks, you can get started on the sauce. Once done, drain the linguine and set it aside.
- Step 2: Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat. Add your pound of 1 lb ground beef and cook it, breaking it into small crumbles with your spoon. You want it nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting too greasy.
- Step 3: Toss in your 5 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté it for about a minute, just until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Step 4: Now for the magic sauce! Stir in the 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup beef broth, 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce (this is key for our Mongolian beef noodles with ground beef!), 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and that optional pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until it’s completely smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and gets that beautiful, glossy sheen. This is what makes our Mongolian beef noodles with ground beef so irresistible.
- Step 6: Add the cooked linguine back into the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure every single strand of noodle is coated in that delicious sauce. This step ensures you get that perfect flavor in every bite of your Mongolian beef noodles with ground beef.
- Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Let the noodles sit in the sauce for a couple more minutes to really soak up all those amazing flavors.
- Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with your sliced 4 green onions. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
I’ve made these Mongolian ground beef noodles dozens of times, and a few tricks really elevate them. Here are my top tips for achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and that irresistible glossy sauce:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Linguine cooked al dente will hold up better to the sauce and prevent a mushy outcome.
- Ensure your sauce is thickened properly. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for that signature glossy finish.
- Taste and adjust. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Let the noodles soak in the sauce for a couple of minutes on low heat. This allows them to absorb even more flavor.
What’s the secret to perfect Mongolian ground beef noodles?
The secret to truly authentic Mongolian ground beef noodles lies in the sauce balance and the quick thickening. Using hoisin sauce and brown sugar together creates that signature sweet and savory profile, while the cornstarch slurry ensures a glossy coating that clings perfectly to the noodles. For more tips on creating delicious sauces, check out this guide on sauce making techniques.
Can I make Mongolian ground beef noodles ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the sauce and cook the ground beef ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just cook your linguine and combine everything, reheating the sauce and beef mixture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mongolian ground beef noodles?
A common pitfall is a watery sauce; make sure to whisk the cornstarch and water smoothly before adding it. Another mistake is overcooking the noodles, so aim for al dente. Finally, don’t skip draining the excess fat from the ground beef for a cleaner flavor. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help prevent these issues.
Best Ways to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Once your delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles are ready, serving them up is half the fun! I love presenting it as a complete Mongolian ground beef noodle bowl, ensuring every bite has a bit of everything. A simple side of steamed broccoli or crisp snow peas adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, savory noodles. You could also serve it with a light, refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors. It’s a hearty meal on its own, but these simple additions really make it sing!
Nutrition Facts for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for a single serving of these delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles:
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide.
How to Store and Reheat Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This Mongolian ground beef noodle recipe is fantastic for meal prep, but proper storage is key to keeping it delicious. Once cooked, let your Mongolian ground beef noodles cool down completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the noodles into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions of the cooled dish for up to 3 months. This makes having a flavorful ground beef stir fry noodles Mongolian style meal incredibly convenient!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few reheating methods. The best way is to gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Just be sure it’s piping hot before serving. If you’re looking for more meal prep ideas, check out these meal prep strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
What makes this Mongolian ground beef noodle recipe so popular?
This Mongolian ground beef noodle recipe is a hit because it masterfully balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors with tender noodles and hearty ground beef. It’s incredibly satisfying and relatively quick to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
How do I make Mongolian ground beef noodles taste authentic?
To achieve that authentic taste, focus on the sauce. Using a good quality soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of brown sugar is crucial. Sautéing the garlic and ginger until fragrant before adding the liquids builds a deep flavor base. The cornstarch slurry is key for that glossy, clingy texture that defines the dish.
Can I substitute the linguine in this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine is lovely, you can easily swap it for other long pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine. If you want a different noodle experience, udon noodles or even ramen noodles work wonderfully in this Mongolian ground beef noodles dish.
What are the best sides for Mongolian ground beef noodles?
Complementary sides really enhance the meal. Steamed or stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas add a fresh, crisp texture. A simple Asian cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. These additions make it a complete and satisfying Mongolian ground beef noodle bowl.
Variations of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles You Can Try
While this Mongolian ground beef noodle recipe is already fantastic, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences! Here are a few ideas to explore:
- Spicy Kick: Want to turn up the heat? For spicy Mongolian ground beef noodles, simply increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Healthier Twist: Looking for healthy Mongolian ground beef noodles? Swap the linguine for whole wheat spaghetti or even zucchini noodles. You can also use leaner ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of your favorite stir-fried vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snow peas into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish entirely gluten-free.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: 1 Amazing Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Mongolian ground beef noodle dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines savory ground beef with a sweet and glossy sauce, tossed with linguine for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss thoroughly until noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and let the noodles soak in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- This recipe is easily adaptable with different vegetables or proteins.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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