Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. With every bite, you get tender noodles wrapped in a rich, savory sauce, paired with perfectly seasoned ground beef. It's a dish that's quick, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe on a hectic weekday when I needed a meal that would come together fast but still feel special. Now, it's a staple in our home, offering that irresistible balance of flavor and texture we can't get enough of. Let me show you how to make it.

Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Get ready to fall in love with this one-pan wonder. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe isn't just delicious – it’s a meal that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

First off, it's super quick and easy. With simple steps and minimal prep time, you'll have a complete meal ready in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when everyone’s hungry, and you don’t have much time to spare.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of more expensive cuts saves money while still providing all the savory, meaty goodness you crave. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Another great thing about these noodles is their versatility. Whether you want to add some extra veggies or swap out the protein, this recipe can easily adapt to suit your tastes. Even picky eaters love it, making it an ideal option for the whole family.

If you’re a fan of meal prepping, you'll appreciate how well these noodles store. Make a big batch, and you'll have lunch or dinner ready to go for the next few days.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is how each ingredient comes together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Let's break down what you’ll need and why they’re essential.

Ground beef forms the base of this dish, delivering a rich and savory depth that complements the sweet and salty sauce. Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease, but if you're using fattier beef, just drain off any extra liquid after cooking.

Soy sauce provides that salty, umami punch that’s crucial for Asian-inspired dishes. I recommend using a low-sodium version to better control the saltiness. If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with tamari.

Brown sugar brings in a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory and salty elements. It also helps the sauce caramelize beautifully, coating the noodles and beef in a glossy, irresistible finish.

Garlic and ginger are essential for infusing the sauce with warmth and complexity. Fresh is always best, but in a pinch, you can use jarred versions for convenience. Just remember, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger will give the best flavor.

Vegetable broth adds just enough liquid to the sauce, ensuring everything stays nice and saucy without becoming too watery. You can also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.

You’ll need lo mein or spaghetti noodles for the base of this dish. While lo mein noodles are more traditional, spaghetti or linguine works perfectly as a substitute if you can’t find them. They soak up the sauce well and provide the right chewy texture.

If you have it, a large skillet or wok will make cooking this dish a breeze. It allows you to cook everything evenly and quickly, ensuring the noodles and beef are coated in that delectable sauce.

How To Make This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Creating this mouthwatering dish couldn’t be simpler. Let me guide you through the process step by step.

Start by cooking your noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once they're tender, drain and set aside. Don't forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water, as you might need it to adjust the sauce's consistency later.

While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there's excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.

Next, add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Now, it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable broth, stirring to combine everything. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. You should notice it becoming glossy and clinging to the beef.

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until everything is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, use a bit of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Continue tossing for another minute or so, making sure the noodles soak up all the flavors.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), storing this dish is a breeze. Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, simply add the noodles to a skillet over medium heat. You may want to splash a bit of water or broth into the pan to loosen the sauce as it warms up. Stir frequently until heated through, and you'll have a meal that tastes just as good as when it was first made.

You can also freeze the cooked noodles for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop with a bit of liquid.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Want to add more veggies? Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots when you cook the beef. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add beautiful color and texture.

If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, you can swap out the noodles for zucchini noodles or even cauliflower rice. The sauce is flavorful enough to complement just about any base you choose.

Prefer a different protein? While ground beef is classic, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. The sauce will work beautifully with any of these options.

For a touch of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha. It’s an easy way to spice things up if you like a bit of a kick.

No matter how you customize it, these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are bound to become a new favorite. Get creative and make it your own – happy cooking!

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