Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a savory and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender ground beef, soft noodles, and a sweet and tangy Mongolian-style sauce. This meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when I need something both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
8 oz noodles (such as ramen or egg noodles)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, then sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the sauce over the cooked ground beef and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the beef and sauce.
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein swap – I sometimes use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a lighter version.
Different noodles – This recipe works well with rice noodles, spaghetti, or udon.
Extra veggies – Adding bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli boosts nutrition and adds more texture.
Spicier kick – A drizzle of sriracha or more red pepper flakes adds heat.
Lower sodium – Using low-sodium soy sauce helps reduce saltiness without losing flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the noodles may soften slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: I reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. The microwave works too—about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
I use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and swap out the noodles for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
What type of noodles work best?
I usually go for ramen, egg noodles, or udon, but spaghetti or fettuccine work well too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I prepare the sauce and cook the beef in advance. When ready to serve, I cook fresh noodles and toss everything together.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
I use lean ground beef or swap for ground turkey. I also reduce the brown sugar and add extra vegetables for more nutrients.
What can I serve with this?
A side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad pairs perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a go-to meal when I want something quick, hearty, and full of bold flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect addition to any weeknight dinner rotation. Whether I enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, it’s always a satisfying dish that never disappoints.
Recipe:
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender ground beef, soft noodles, and a sweet-savory Mongolian-style sauce. This easy 25-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, using simple, budget-friendly ingredients for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz noodles (ramen, egg noodles, or preferred type)
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the beef and sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Protein Variations: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter version.
Noodle Choices: Works well with ramen, udon, spaghetti, or rice noodles.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for more nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
