Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, tasty meal featuring tender ground beef cooked with a flavorful sauce and tossed with soft noodles. The dish is packed with savory and slightly sweet notes, making it a delicious and satisfying dinner option. You’ll notice the perfect mix of meaty goodness and noodles that soak up all those yummy flavors.
I love making this dish when I want something warm and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. The mix of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce gives it a nice kick, and the beef cooks down nicely so every bite is full of flavor. I often add a handful of green onions or some chopped vegetables to give it a fresh touch that brightens up the whole meal.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is to top them with a little extra green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some crunch. It’s a great dish for busy weeknights or when friends drop by, as it’s easy to make and always gets compliments. Plus, leftovers taste great the next day, which is always a bonus in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles work great, but spaghetti or rice noodles are good alternatives. Choose what you like or have on hand.
Ground beef: I like 80/20 for flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Sauces (soy, hoisin, oyster): These create the dish’s rich, tangy flavor. If you can’t find oyster sauce, try mushroom sauce or skip it for a lighter taste.
Ginger and garlic: Fresh is best for that punch of flavor. Minced or grated garlic and ginger bring warmth and aroma.
Vegetables: Bok choy or spinach adds freshness and color. Frozen spinach works too if fresh isn’t available.
Spices: Chili paste adds heat, but feel free to leave it out or swap with sriracha if you want it spicier.
How Do You Get the Ground Beef to Stay Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking ground beef right is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat oil well before adding beef to get a nice sear without steaming.
- Break the beef into small pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Cook over medium-high heat until just browned. Avoid overcooking or the beef gets dry.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green onions after browning beef; this lets their flavors blend without burning.
Taking these steps ensures juicy, flavorful meat that complements the noodles perfectly every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I prefer a wok for even heat and enough space to toss everything together easily.
- Cooking pot – to boil the noodles quickly and efficiently.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurately adding sauces and seasonings.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Strainer or colander – to drain the noodles without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef for different flavors.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil in place of some soy sauce for a tangy twist.
- Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for some added crunch and nuttiness.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or your favorite Asian-style noodles)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 4 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total: roughly 10 minutes to prep and cook the noodles and ground beef, plus about 5-10 minutes to cook the sauce, vegetables, and toss everything together. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil the noodles according to the package directions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain them well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Continue stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and flavorful.
4. Make and Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili paste if you like some heat. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir well. Let it cook for 2 minutes so all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the chopped bok choy or spinach, if using. Cook for another 2 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Toss everything together carefully, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce and mixed with the beef and vegetables.
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the noodles and give it one last stir. Plate the noodles and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy noodles.
Can I Substitute the Noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein or similar Asian-style noodles work best, spaghetti or even rice noodles are great alternatives depending on what you have available.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked mushrooms. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to keep the flavors authentic without animal products.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
