When life calls for a meal that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender egg or rice noodles drenched in a luscious, savory sauce made rich with garlic, ginger, soy, and hoisin, all brought together by perfectly browned ground beef and crisp, vibrant vegetables. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress friends with an easy yet impressive dish, this recipe is a total winner that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the magic started is simple—these essential ingredients each play their own unique role to create a harmonious bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. From the hearty ground beef to the colorful veggies and flavorful sauces, every piece adds layers of taste, texture, and color that make this dish shine.
- 8 oz noodles (egg or rice noodles): Choose your favorite type as the tender base that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory protein and that crave-worthy umami depth.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying and ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated: Adds a zesty warmth that pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and a tender crunch when cooked just right.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness for balance.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: For a crisp, fresh texture and splash of brightness.
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, green finish that adds mild oniony notes and visual appeal.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Gives a deeper, savory richness with just a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a luscious, slightly tangy complexity.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Lends a nutty aroma and finish that truly elevates the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional): Perfect if you like just a little kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance every ingredient’s best qualities.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to their package instructions. This is crucial because the noodles provide the foundation for all the delicious toppings and sauce. Once cooked, drain them well and toss with a little oil to keep them from sticking together—that way, every bite stays perfectly tender and separate.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, allowing the meat to brown beautifully over 5 to 7 minutes. This caramelization is key for packing in those savory, meaty flavors. Season with salt and pepper to start building your flavor profile. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan but keep all those flavorful drippings in the skillet for later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Into the same skillet, toss the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is all you need. Then add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. This mix brings crunch, sweetness, and gorgeous color, so don’t rush this step.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red chili flakes if you like some heat. Pour this delicious sauce over the beef and veggies, then stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture heat through for 2 to 3 minutes so all those flavors meld perfectly.
Step 5: Mix in the Noodles
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional minute, letting the noodles absorb all that rich, savory flavor. And just like that, you have a steaming bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles ready to serve!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe doesn’t end at cooking. Garnishing with freshly chopped green onions not only adds a lovely pop of color but also a crisp, fresh taste that brightens the entire dish. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and nuttiness—trust me, it’s worth it!
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair these noodles with simple sides that complement without overpowering. A light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli works beautifully to add freshness and balance. Alternatively, some crunchy spring rolls or a tangy Asian slaw can add contrasting textures and keep things exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just enjoy your meal with flair, serve these noodles in individual bowls layered with additional green onions and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. For fun, offer small bowls of chili flakes and lime wedges on the side so everyone can customize their bowl. It’s simple, interactive, and will make the meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it just as tasty the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a great option. Pack the noodles, beef, and veggies into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Frozen Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles seem dry. This will revive the sauce and keep the noodles soft and flavorful. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring to evenly warm every bite.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Egg noodles and rice noodles work wonderfully, but you can also try udon or even spaghetti in a pinch—the key is cooking them al dente and ensuring they hold sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out ground beef for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and add a splash of vegetable broth to keep it saucy.
How spicy is this recipe?
The dish itself is mild unless you add the optional red chili flakes, which provide a gentle heat. You can adjust the spice level easily to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce mixture in advance?
Definitely. Whisking together the soy, oyster, hoisin sauces, brown sugar, and sesame oil ahead of time saves time when cooking. Just give it a quick stir before adding to ensure ingredients haven’t separated.
What are some great alternatives to ground beef?
If you want to switch things up, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based ground “meats” make excellent substitutes that still absorb the Mongolian sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something flavorful, satisfying, and downright delicious with minimal fuss. The balance of textures, the rich savory sauce, and the fresh veggies make every bite a celebration. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own — it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender ground beef with vibrant vegetables in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Tossed with tender noodles and garnished with green onions, it offers a perfect balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles)
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking and keep them separated while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving the oil and juices in the pan.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will infuse the oil with aromatic flavor.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining some crunch and freshness.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with the vegetables, mixing everything evenly.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red chili flakes if using. Pour this sauce mixture over the ground beef and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
- Simmer and coat: Stir well to combine all ingredients and let them heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and vegetables thoroughly.
- Add noodles and combine: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet. Gently mix to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce, beef, and vegetables. Cook for an additional minute to heat the noodles through and blend flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the dish as a fresh, crunchy garnish. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer softer vegetables, increase the sauté time by a couple of minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and rewarmed before serving.
