Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and filling dish that’s perfect for busy nights! With tender beef, fresh veggies, and savory noodles, it’s a one-pot wonder that everyone will love.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of the sauce—it’s the kind that makes you want to lick the bowl! 😋 I whip this up in no time, and it always leaves me wanting seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Linguine or egg noodles work well here, but feel free to swap them for rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. It’s all about finding what you like best!
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to cut down on excess fat. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can also work well as lighter alternatives.
Green Onions: Besides providing flavor, they add a nice crunch. If you don’t have green onions, chives or shallots can be good substitutes. Just use them sparingly, as their flavors can be more intense.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is always best, but you can use garlic and ginger powder in a pinch: just use about a teaspoon each. I find that fresh gives the dish a brighter flavor!
Sauces: Soy sauce and hoisin are crucial for the dish’s taste. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari for soy sauce. You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re aiming for lower sugar.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Cooking the beef perfectly is essential for great texture and flavor. Start by heating the vegetable oil over medium heat, then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned all over.
- Make sure to drain excess fat if you’re using regular ground beef.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to help it brown better—give it space!
By browning the meat properly, it will have more flavor and create a delicious base for the rest of your dish!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz linguine or egg noodles
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time for a total of around 30 minutes. You’ll spend a little time cooking the noodles and browning the beef, then it all comes together quickly for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
First, you need to cook the linguine or egg noodles. Follow the instructions on the package. Once they are cooked and drained, set them aside. They’ll be combined with the beef mixture later!
2. Browning the Beef:
Next, grab a large pan and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks, so it’s nice and crumbly!
3. Adding Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some delicious flavors! Add the minced garlic, ginger, and most of the sliced green onions to the pan (save a little for garnishing later). Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes until it smells amazing!
4. Mixing in the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Add the sesame oil and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors are combined and everything is heated through.
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and toss everything to coat the noodles well with that tasty sauce. Make sure it’s mixed thoroughly!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle the top with sesame seeds and any extra green onions you saved for garnish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! You can substitute linguine or egg noodles with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the type of noodle you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option! The cooking time remains the same; just make sure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink in the center before adding the sauces.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the noodles and prevent them from becoming too dry!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! Just let it cool completely, then transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a little water or broth to help loosen it up.
