Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mongolian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean is best); 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 10 oz linguine (or spaghetti/rice noodles for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet hoisin sauce, and tender noodles, all brought together in a rich, aromatic sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings the taste of Mongolian cuisine right to your kitchen, with a perfect balance of umami and sweetness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, savory flavors, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is sure to become a favorite. The combination of sweet brown sugar, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce, while the ground beef provides a hearty base. Paired with linguine or your favorite noodles, this dish offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s easy to make and packs a punch of flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef – lean ground beef is best for a lighter dish
5 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and aromatics
1/3 cup brown sugar – for that signature Mongolian sweetness
1/4 cup beef broth – helps develop the sauce’s rich flavor
1/3 cup soy sauce – the savory base; use low sodium if preferred
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – adds a layer of sweetness and umami
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – for warmth and subtle spice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – enhances overall flavor
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – add for a spicy kick
10 oz linguine – you can use other long pasta like spaghetti or rice noodles for a gluten-free version
1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce
2 tablespoons water – to dissolve the cornstarch
4 green onions, sliced – for garnish and a pop of freshness

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the linguine (or your preferred pasta) in a large pot of salted, boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Once the beef is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium.
Add Garlic and Aromatics
Next, add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well to allow the flavors to meld.
Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine with Noodles
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Allow the noodles and beef to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can fully absorb into the pasta.
Garnish and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the dish for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy every savory bite!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety and use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the dish for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much upon storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork would work well in this recipe as alternatives to beef.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when ready to serve, and toss with freshly cooked noodles.

3. Is hoisin sauce necessary?

Hoisin sauce adds a unique umami flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with a bit more soy sauce or even a touch of peanut butter mixed with soy sauce for a similar effect.

4. How can I make the dish spicier?

If you like more heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some chili paste or sriracha to the sauce.

5. Can I use rice noodles instead of linguine?

Yes, rice noodles are a great alternative, especially for a gluten-free version of this dish.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the Mongolian Ground Beef and sauce separately for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, cook the noodles fresh and combine them with the reheated sauce.

7. What other noodles can I use for this recipe?

Besides linguine, spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon noodles would all work well in this dish.

8. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, dissolve another tablespoon of cornstarch in water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until it thickens to your liking.

9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! You can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers during the simmering process to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While this recipe is quick to make on the stovetop, you can cook the ground beef and sauce in a slow cooker for a few hours on low if you prefer to prep it in advance.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that brings bold flavors to your table. The combination of savory beef, sweet hoisin sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles creates a comforting meal everyone will love. Whether you make it for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, it’s a dish that delivers every time!