Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful, savory dish that combines tender ground beef with a medley of seasonings, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles. With a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami-rich flavors, this dish is quick to make and incredibly satisfying. The ground beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, while the noodles soak up the rich, delicious sauce, making each bite full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a simple yet delicious choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, offering the savory richness of ground beef, the freshness of vegetables, and the comforting goodness of noodles. The sauce, made from soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of brown sugar, creates a deep umami flavor that complements the beef and noodles perfectly. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick, easy to prepare, and customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a family or craving something delicious for yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 small onion (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
2 cups cooked noodles (e.g., ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
2 tablespoons green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the ground beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion to the pan with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Add the vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar and combine all the ingredients.
Add the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 20 minutes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas for more texture and nutrition.
Spicy version: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
Different protein: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Noodle variations: You can use any type of noodles you like, such as rice noodles, udon, or soba, depending on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the noodles. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes! You can use ramen noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti in place of the noodles suggested in the recipe. Just cook the noodles according to the package instructions and add them to the pan.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it a great option for meal prep.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with ground tofu or tempeh, and use soy sauce and hoisin sauce that are vegan-friendly. For a vegetarian version, you can also add more vegetables for a hearty meal.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a little water or broth to bring it back to life.

5. How do I make the dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced fresh chili to the dish. You can also drizzle some sriracha or chili oil for added spice.

6. Can I add more protein?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even a boiled egg on top for additional protein. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix and match proteins.

7. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great way to reduce the salt content in this dish without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles.

9. How can I make this dish sweeter?

If you like a sweeter flavor, you can add a bit more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey to the sauce mixture.

10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

While this dish is quick to make on the stovetop, you can prepare the beef and sauce in a slow cooker for 2-3 hours on low, then toss in the cooked noodles and vegetables right before serving.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines savory beef, a sweet and tangy sauce, and tender noodles. This dish is easy to customize and can be made with simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Whether you’re craving something hearty and comforting or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.