Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
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

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Craving an effortlessly savory meal that checks all the comfort food boxes? Look no further than Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! This one-pan wonder brings together saucy, savory beef with a slurp-worthy tangle of noodles, punctuated by sweet and tangy hints and a vibrant sprinkle of green onions. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this dish is as crowd-pleasing as it is speedy to prepare. From the deep umami of soy and hoisin to that signature garlicky warmth, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a recipe you’ll absolutely want on repeat in your kitchen.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is just how simple the ingredients are—and yet, each one plays a pivotal role in building deep flavors and a craveable texture. You likely have many staples on hand already, while a few others add that magical finishing touch.

Ground beef: The hearty, savory base that brings rich flavor and satisfying texture to every bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of fragrant, sharp depth to the sauce.
Brown sugar: This brings subtle caramel notes and balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Beef broth: Helps create a glossy sauce and boosts the umami flavor throughout the dish.
Soy sauce: A must-have for that savory, salty backbone; opt for low sodium if you prefer.
Hoisin sauce: Adds complexity, sweetness, and that signature Mongolian flair.
Ground ginger: Infuses warmth and a hint of zing that makes the whole dish pop.
Ground black pepper: For just the right amount of gentle heat and balance.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for those who love a little spicy kick—add as much or as little as you like!
Linguine: Wide, chewy noodles that soak up every drop of sauce—other noodles work in a pinch, but linguine is classic here.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce until it beautifully clings to the noodles.
Water: Used to mix with cornstarch for a lump-free, glossy sauce finish.
Green onions: Sliced for garnish, they bring a fresh crunch and pop of color right at the end.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get started by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in your linguine and cook it just until al dente according to the package instructions. It’s key to avoid overcooking the noodles, as they’ll absorb more flavor later. Once they’re ready, drain them and set aside—the fun is only just beginning!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Grab your biggest, sturdiest skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, stirring often, until there’s not a hint of pink left. For a lighter Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish, take a moment to carefully drain any excess fat. This step ensures a rich, flavorful base without making the sauce too greasy.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sauces

Scoot the beef to one side and add your minced garlic right into the skillet. Let it sizzle and release its mouthwatering aroma for about a minute—then it’s time for the saucy magic. Pour in your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re going spicy). Stir it all together, letting every crumb of beef get coated in that sweet-savory sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk your cornstarch and water until it’s smooth—no lumps allowed! Drizzle this mixture into your simmering skillet and stir. Give it another couple of minutes, letting the sauce thicken into a glossy, silky glaze that clings to the beef. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Time for the noodles to join the party! Add your cooked linguine right into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything together until every noodle is luxuriously coated. Let everything simmer for another few minutes so the flavors can really meld together in true Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles style.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter your sliced green onions over the top for a dazzling finish of color and crunch. Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles piping hot and get ready for some seriously happy forks at the table!

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions is a must—they cut through the richness with just the right burst of brightness. If you’re feeling extra, a handful of toasted sesame seeds or a swirl of chili oil amps up both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with quick-sautéed baby bok choy, crisp steamed broccoli, or an easy cucumber salad for freshness and balance. Steamed edamame or a plate of simple dumplings also make tasty companions for this meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Make these noodles the star of an Asian-inspired feast by serving in shallow bowls and twirling them high with chopsticks for dramatic flair. Or, plate individual servings topped with extra green onions, a wedge of lime, and maybe even a fried egg for brunch vibes. For gatherings, try serving family-style on a big platter—it disappears in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up more of the sauce as they sit, so expect even punchier flavor upon reheating.

Freezing

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles actually freeze well! Allow the dish to cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra beef broth to help loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming without drying out the noodles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully and gives the dish heft, you can easily swap in spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed for best results.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free hoisin sauce, and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. You’ll still get all the amazing flavors of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Stir in thinly sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, snap peas, or baby spinach during the sauce-thickening step. They’ll cook quickly and add color, crunch, and extra nutrition.

What protein alternatives work for this recipe?

You can easily swap ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives in place of the beef. The sauce is so flavorful, any ground protein soaks it up beautifully.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is mild as written, but you can dial up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. If you prefer no heat at all, just leave out the pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in your own kitchen! This recipe truly brings big flavor, cozy vibes, and pure noodle joy with every forkful. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dinner favorite!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a savory and satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef with flavorful Asian sauces and aromatic spices, all tossed with linguine noodles for a delicious meal.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook linguine according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, drain excess fat.
Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add garlic to beef, then pour in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water, add to skillet, and simmer until thickened.
Combine with Noodles: Toss cooked linguine with beef and sauce until coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian