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A bowl of Mongolian ground beef noodles topped with sesame seeds and green onions

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles – A Quick & Flavorful 25-Minute Meal

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Introduction

The first time I made Mongolian ground beef noodles, I was looking for a quick, satisfying meal that wasn’t just another pasta dish. I wanted something savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami flavor—and this dish delivered! The rich, garlicky Mongolian sauce coating every bite of beef and noodles made it an instant favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes!

If you love takeout-style comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive into what makes Mongolian ground beef noodles the ultimate quick-fix dinner!

What Are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

The Origins of Mongolian-Style Dishes

Despite the name, Mongolian beef isn’t actually from Mongolia! It’s a dish popularized by Chinese-American restaurants, featuring tender beef in a rich, sweet-savory sauce. Traditionally, it’s made with flank steak, but this version uses ground beef for an easier and more budget-friendly alternative.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes
✅ Affordable: Uses ground beef instead of expensive cuts
✅ One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor
✅ Better Than Takeout: Homemade sauce with no unnecessary additives

Essential Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Essential ingredients for Mongolian ground beef noodles, including sauces, garlic, ginger, and uncooked noodles

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

For the Beef & Noodles:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti noodles
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Noodles cooking in boiling water with steam rising and chopsticks separating strands

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove excess grease if needed.
Ground beef sizzling in a wok with garlic and ginger for Mongolian noodles

Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger to the beef.
  2. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar.
  4. Stir well and let simmer for 2 minutes.
Mongolian sauce being poured into a pan of browned beef for a rich, flavorful coating

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce & Combine

  1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.
  2. Pour into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
  3. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until well coated.
Mongolian ground beef noodles being tossed in a wok, coated in a savory, glossy sauce

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Best Sides & Toppings for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

🍚 Steamed Rice: Serve noodles with a side of jasmine rice for extra heartiness.
🥦 Stir-Fried Veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a nutritional boost.
🥢 Extra Crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Not Draining Excess Grease – Too much grease can make the dish oily.
🚫 Skipping the Cornstarch Slurry – Helps the sauce coat the noodles perfectly.
🚫 Overcooking the Garlic & Ginger – Adds bitterness if burned.

FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. What noodles work best?

Lo mein, ramen, or even spaghetti work great for this recipe.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap out the noodles for rice noodles.

Conclusion

Mongolian ground beef noodles are the perfect combination of quick, easy, and delicious. With their bold flavors, tender beef, and savory sauce, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this dish is a must-try!

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