Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious dish that can turn a busy weeknight into something special, you’ve come to the right place! This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe is one of my go-to favorites when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The savory glazed ground beef, tender noodles, and a splash of colorful veggies make this meal not only delicious but also visually appealing.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can whip it up for a family dinner, serve it at a casual gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that you’ll crave.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile Options: Toss in your favorite veggies or swap out the protein for even more variety!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the beef and noodles in advance for an effortless dinner solution.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, freshly grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup Water

For the Beef

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for cooking)

For the Noodles

• 1 lb Lo Mein Noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine as substitutes)
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce (if not combined in marinade)

• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Ginger, freshly grated
• 1 clove Garlic, minced

For the Veggies

• 1 Bell Pepper (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Broccoli florets
• 1 cup Shredded Carrots

For Garnish

• 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame Seeds

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in snap peas or bok choy for added crunch and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chili paste for an extra kick.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth. This marinade will infuse your beef with incredible flavor while helping to thicken up beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook it until browned. Breaking it up with a spoon ensures every bite is flavorful. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease for a cleaner taste!

Step 3: Add the Marinade

Pour that delicious marinade over your browned beef and stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring this mixture to a simmer; watching it bubble away as it thickens is quite satisfying!

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Take a moment to taste your creation! If you want more sweetness from brown sugar or an extra kick from red pepper flakes, now’s your chance to adjust those flavors.

Step 5: Boil the Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Adding salt at this stage will enhance your noodle’s flavor.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Once boiling, toss in your lo mein noodles (or whatever pasta you’re using) and cook according to package directions—usually around 5-7 minutes until they are al dente.

Step 7: Drain and Rinse

Drain those noodles immediately using a colander. Rinsing them with cold water stops further cooking and keeps them from sticking together.

Step 8: Toss with a Little Oil (Optional)

If you’re not using them right away, toss those noodles with just a little sesame oil or vegetable oil. This keeps them nice and separate until you’re ready!

Step 9: Prepare the Sauce (If Not Already Combined in Beef Marinade)

In another small bowl (if you didn’t combine everything earlier), whisk together soy sauce again along with hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. It’s all about layering that flavor!

Step 10: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

Using the same skillet used for beef (no need to clean!), heat some more vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell pepper and onion—sautéing them until they’re slightly softened brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 11: Add the Broccoli and Carrots (Optional)

Now throw in broccoli florets and shredded carrots into your veggie mix! Cook them just until they are tender-crisp; you want them bright and vibrant.

Step 12: Combine with the Beef (Optional)

If you sautéed vegetables earlier—great! Mix them into that beautifully glazed beef mixture in your skillet so they can soak up all those flavors together.

Step 13: Add the Noodles

Next up—add those cooked noodles right into your skillet filled with beef and veggies!

Step 14: Toss to Combine

With everything in there now, toss everything together gently but thoroughly until every noodle gets coated with that luscious glaze!

Step 15: Add the Sauce (If Using Separately)

If you prepared that tasty sauce separately earlier on—now’s time! Pour it over everything in your skillet while tossing once more.

Step 16: Heat Through

Cook this glorious mixture for another minute or two until everything is heated through.

Step 17: Garnish and Serve

Finally—garnish generously with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving immediately! Enjoy every last bite of these delightful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Creating the perfect bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring a delightful texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve that!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and aromatics like ginger and garlic will provide a burst of flavor that dried or pre-packaged options simply can’t match.

• Don’t skip the marinating step: Allowing the ground beef to soak in the marinade not only adds depth to the taste but also helps create that mouthwatering glaze when cooked.

• Cook noodles al dente: This ensures your noodles maintain their structure in the dish, preventing them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce and beef.

• Customize your veggies: Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables or favorites you have on hand. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots offer great color and crunch, but snap peas or mushrooms could be delicious alternatives too!

• Serve immediately: For the best experience, plate this dish right after cooking. The flavors are at their peak, and it keeps everything warm and inviting.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Presenting your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can elevate both its appearance and dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh herbaceous note that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the dish with acidity, balancing out the sweetness from the brown sugar.
• Crushed peanuts: For added texture and a nutty flavor, sprinkle some crushed peanuts over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame offers a nutritious and protein-packed side that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired dishes.

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the hearty noodles, adding a cool element to your meal.

• Asian-style Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing will add freshness while complementing the flavors of your main dish.

• Egg Drop Soup: This comforting soup is easy to make and adds warmth to your meal. Its lightness balances well with the richness of the noodles.

Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with these serving suggestions for a complete meal experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap containers tightly in plastic wrap before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prepping. Just follow storage tips to enjoy it throughout the week.

What can I substitute for lo mein noodles?

You can use spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine as alternatives in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. They all work wonderfully!

How do I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

To increase or decrease spiciness, simply adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Feel free to customize your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles by adding your favorite veggies like snap peas or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The sweet and savory flavor profile makes it appealing to kids. Just ensure that you adjust any spicy elements according to their taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to make this delicious and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe! It’s a wonderful way to bring bold flavors and comforting textures to your dinner table. Enjoy every bite and share it with loved ones—cooking together is one of life’s greatest joys. Happy cooking!