Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles bring together the rich flavors of ground beef, soy sauce, and a blend of spices that make for an irresistibly savory dish.
Whether you’re short on time or craving something hearty, this easy recipe is your solution! Packed with protein and satisfying flavors, it’s a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in under 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps needed to bring this tasty dish to your table!
Ingredients Needed
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star of the dish, providing the protein and savory flavor that makes this recipe so satisfying. Lean ground beef is typically the best choice for this dish, as it offers the right balance of flavor without excess fat. For a healthier twist, you can opt for ground turkey or chicken.
Noodles
Noodles are a key component of this dish. While traditional recipes might call for udon or ramen noodles, you can use any type of noodles you prefer. Asian egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well. The noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, giving the dish its comforting texture.
Seasoning and Sauces
The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil creates the savory base of the dish. Soy sauce provides the umami flavor, hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness, and sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic element to the stir-fry. Garlic and ginger enhance the flavor profile with their distinct, bold tastes.
Optional Veggies
Adding vegetables to this dish can boost its nutritional value and add extra texture. Popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or even snap peas. These vegetables also make the dish more colorful and appealing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to toss them with a little bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine. This sauce will be the flavorful base for your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
4. Stir-Fry the Veggies (Optional)
If you’re using vegetables, add them to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry the veggies for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to maintain some texture, so don’t overcook them.
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the sauce over everything, tossing to coat the noodles and beef evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Adjust the Spice Level
If you like a little heat, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. This will give the dish an extra kick of flavor!
Add a Crunch
For added texture, top your noodles with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or fried onions. These crunchy elements contrast nicely with the tender noodles and beef.
Make It Healthier
To make this dish healthier, you can substitute the noodles with zucchini noodles or other low-carb alternatives. You can also use a low-sodium soy sauce or add more vegetables to reduce the calorie count.
Variations of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Vegetarian Version
For a plant-based twist, swap the ground beef for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. These alternatives soak up the sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying texture.
Add More Veggies
Feel free to load your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with even more veggies! Mushrooms, bok choy, and snow peas work great and add both flavor and nutritional value to the dish.
Gluten-Free Option
To make this dish gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free soy sauce. There are plenty of options available that will still deliver the savory, umami flavor you love!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Plating and Garnish
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in a large bowl or plate, and garnish with fresh green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds. This adds color and a fresh burst of flavor to the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with steamed rice, spring rolls, or a simple side salad to complete the meal. The combination of crispy, savory sides will complement the rich flavors of the noodles.
Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out.
30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 8 oz 225g noodles (egg noodles, udon, or ramen)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
Optional:
- 1 cup 1 cup bell peppers thinly sliced
- ½ cup 1/2 cup carrots julienned
- ½ cup 1/2 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
Instructions
Prepare the Noodles
- Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to toss them with a little bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir to combine. This sauce will be the flavorful base for your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
Stir-Fry the Veggies (Optional)
- If you’re using vegetables, add them to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry the veggies for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to maintain some texture, so don’t overcook them.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the sauce over everything, tossing to coat the noodles and beef evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.