Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles bring bold flavor and simplicity to your weeknight dinner table. This dish features tender noodles coated in a glossy, garlicky soy-based sauce, packed with savory ground beef and just a touch of sweetness. It’s a budget-friendly twist on classic Mongolian beef that comes together fast using pantry staples and everyday ingredients.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This recipe transforms humble ground beef into a dish that tastes like takeout, but fresher and faster. The sauce is sticky, sweet, salty, and slightly spicy—everything you’d expect from Mongolian-style flavors. Using ground beef keeps it affordable and quick, while lo mein or ramen noodles soak up the sauce for a slurp-worthy finish. Perfect for busy nights and picky eaters alike.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/ramen)
1 tbsp sesame oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for depth)
2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Boil noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Make the Sauce

Push the beef to one side. Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the pan and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir everything together.

4. Add Sauce Ingredients

Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.

6. Add Noodles & Toss

Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss well to coat with the sauce. Let everything heat through, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Serve

Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Variations

Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
Spicy Mongolian: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta.
Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a different take.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or wok
Medium pot for boiling noodles
Mixing spoon or tongs
Measuring spoons and cups

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 490
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave or reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended due to noodle texture, but beef sauce alone can be frozen.

My Cooking Experience

I love how quickly this comes together. It feels like a treat, but it’s made with items I almost always have on hand. I’ve added veggies, swapped noodles, and even doubled the sauce—it’s flexible and delicious every time. Perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without the cleanup.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are a fast, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-style satisfaction at home. With minimal prep and a sauce that’s sweet, salty, and irresistible, this is a weeknight winner you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Admin