Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles Recipe

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delicious, savory dish inspired by the flavors of Mongolian beef but made more accessible with ground beef and noodles. This recipe combines tender ground beef, a flavorful sweet-savory Mongolian sauce, and chewy noodles to create a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for weeknights, these noodles offer the delicious taste of a takeout classic right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ground beef cooks quickly, making this recipe fast and convenient.
• Rich Flavor: The Mongolian sauce, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, provides a savory depth with a touch of sweetness.
• Family-Friendly: This meal is mild yet flavorful, making it a hit for all ages.
• Customizable: Add vegetables or adjust the spice to make it your own.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop and Mince: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions (keep the white and green parts separate).
2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce (if using).
2. Thicken with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Grease: If the ground beef releases too much grease, drain it off to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Sauce

1. Add Garlic, Ginger, and White Part of Green Onions: Once the beef is browned, add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in Mongolian Sauce: Add the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together, and bring the sauce to a simmer. The sauce will thicken as it cooks due to the cornstarch slurry.

Step 5: Combine Beef, Sauce, and Noodles

1. Add Noodles to the Skillet: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat the noodles with the sauce.
2. Add Spice: If you like it spicy, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

1. Add Green Onions: Add the green parts of the chopped green onions and stir to combine.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef helps reduce the amount of grease in the dish.
2. Cook the Noodles Al Dente: This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
3. Taste the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the amount of soy sauce or sugar before adding it to the skillet.
4. Add Vegetables for Crunch: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots add great texture and a pop of color.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Make It Low-Carb: Substitute the noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb version.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian take.
3. Add More Vegetables: Mix in broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to make it a more complete meal.
4. Different Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sliced beef for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or basil adds a bright flavor to the dish.
2. Serve with a Salad: A simple side salad with an Asian-inspired dressing complements the richness of the noodles.
3. Accompany with Wontons or Spring Rolls: These appetizers add variety and an extra crunch to your meal.
4. Add Extra Heat: Serve with Sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who like it spicier.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of water or beef broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.
3. Reheat: For best results, reheat in a skillet over low heat. Microwave reheating is possible but can make the noodles soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish with gluten-free noodles?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.

2. Is there a way to make it less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar in the sauce or leave it out entirely for a less sweet version.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! This dish works well with added vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.

4. How can I make it spicier?
For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce like Sriracha.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a savory, comforting dish that is quick to make and full of flavor. With a few pantry staples and some noodles, you can whip up this delicious meal any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is versatile, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the savory sauce, tender beef, and chewy noodles as they come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and packed with delicious flavors.

Yield: 4

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles Recipe

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Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delicious, savory dish inspired by the flavors of Mongolian beef but made more accessible with ground beef and noodles. This recipe combines tender ground beef, a flavorful sweet-savory Mongolian sauce, and chewy noodles to create a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for weeknights, these noodles offer the delicious taste of a takeout classic right at home.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles:

• Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, broth, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef:

• Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then set the beef aside.

4. Sauté Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add the white parts of the green onions, bell pepper, and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Combine Beef, Noodles, and Sauce:

• Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Let it cook for a minute, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce begins to thicken.

6. Add the Noodles:

• Toss in the cooked noodles and mix well until everything is coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the sauce is well combined.

7. Serve and Garnish:

• Top with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.

Extra Heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha for more spice.

Veggie Swap: Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work well in place of bell peppers and carrots.