Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty meal that’s simple to whip up. With seasoned ground beef and tender noodles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for sure!
I love how quick it is to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s hard not to go back for seconds—who can resist that delicious combo? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles/Spaghetti: I like using egg noodles for their texture, but spaghetti works too. If you’re looking for something gluten-free, try rice noodles instead. They offer a similar texture and will soak up the flavors beautifully.
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend gives a nice balance of fat for flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. They’ll still cook up nicely with the same seasonings!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best! Using minced garlic and grated ginger really enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger, but the taste won’t be quite as bright.
Soy Sauce and Hoisin Sauce: Both are key for the dish’s savory flavor. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is available. For a sweet alternative, tamari works well, especially for gluten-free diets.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the savory. If you’re cutting down on sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup as a lighter option, adjusting the quantity to taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef properly is essential to avoid an oily and greasy dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium-high heat to quickly brown the beef, which locks in the flavor.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks for even browning. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure there’s no pink left, and the meat is cooked through before adding in your aromatics like garlic and ginger. This ensures a well-rounded flavor.
Taking the time to properly brown the beef will make a huge difference in the overall taste and texture of your dish!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or spaghetti
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner on a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles or spaghetti and cook them according to the package instructions. Once they are tender, drain the noodles and set them aside. You can drizzle a little oil on them to prevent sticking if you like.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, pour in the sesame oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart while cooking. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients together for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells fantastic!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together so the beef is well-coated in the sauce. This is where all the yummy flavors come together.
5. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Carefully toss everything together, making sure the noodles are coated in the yummy beef sauce. Let it all cook together for an extra 2-3 minutes, just to heat everything through.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the chopped green onions. This adds a fresh crunch to the dish. Now, serve your noodles in bowls, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. If you want, add a few more chopped green onions as a garnish. Enjoy your delicious meals!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles give a nice texture, you can substitute them with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for whichever noodle you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you want a healthier option or you’re avoiding beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work great! Just cook them in the same way, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein used.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Yes! The crushed red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on your heat preference. If you want it milder, reduce the amount or omit them completely. For more heat, consider adding a drizzle of sriracha or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
