Introduction

When you’re craving something savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami goodness, Mongolian ground beef noodles are the perfect answer. This dish combines tender ground beef, a rich and flavorful Mongolian-style sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles—all in under 30 minutes!

In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make the best Mongolian ground beef noodles at home. You’ll get a detailed, step-by-step guide, along with cooking tips, ingredient substitutions, nutritional information, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Getting Started with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

What Are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

Mongolian ground beef noodles is a fusion dish that takes inspiration from classic Mongolian beef, a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine. Traditionally, Mongolian beef is made with thinly sliced steak stir-fried in a sweet and savory sauce. But in this version, we swap the steak for ground beef, making it quicker, easier, and more budget-friendly.

The key to this dish lies in the flavor-packed Mongolian sauce, made from a perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. The sauce coats the beef and noodles beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
3. One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more convenience.
4. Customizable: Swap ingredients to make it spicy, gluten-free, or low-carb.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients for the Recipe

To make the perfect Mongolian ground beef noodles, you’ll need a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that create a rich, savory sauce and tender, flavorful beef. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground beef – A budget-friendly and quick alternative to traditional Mongolian beef.
• 12 oz linguine noodles – You can also use spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles.
• 4 tsp minced ginger – Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for a bold, aromatic sauce.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – A key ingredient for that signature umami taste.
• ½ cup beef broth – Enhances the depth of flavor.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the salty and savory elements.
• 6 tbsp hoisin sauce – Thick, slightly sweet, and essential for authentic Mongolian flavor.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Optional but great for a spicy kick.
• ½ tsp black pepper – For a bit of heat and seasoning.
• 4 green onions, diced – Used as a garnish for freshness.
• Toasted sesame seeds – Adds a nutty crunch to the final dish.

Best Substitutes for Key Ingredients

• No ground beef? Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
• Need gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat-based pasta.
• Want a richer sauce? Add a teaspoon of oyster sauce or a splash of sesame oil.

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to cooking!

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine noodles and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the noodles stay firm when combined with the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper

This sweet and savory Mongolian sauce is the heart of the dish, infusing the ground beef and noodles with a deep, umami-rich flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s fully browned.

Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting them sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor!

Step 4: Combine Everything and Simmer

Now, pour the prepared Mongolian sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well, making sure all the meat is coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Then, add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the Mongolian ground beef noodles are fully coated in sauce, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Serve immediately and enjoy a bold, umami-packed meal in just 30 minutes!

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macros per 100g

If you’re watching your nutrition, here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per 100g serving of Mongolian ground beef noodles:

Nutrient	Amount (Per 100g)
Calories	297 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	31g
Fats	9g
Sodium	1396mg

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

• Lean ground beef is high in protein, supporting muscle growth and keeping you full.
• Garlic and ginger contain antioxidants that boost immunity.
• Green onions provide vitamins A and C for better skin and vision.
• Linguine or rice noodles offer carbohydrates for sustained energy.

This dish is a great source of protein and essential nutrients. If you’re on a lower-carb diet, you can swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs.

Expert Cooking Tips & Variations

How to Adjust Spice Levels

Want to tweak the heat level in your Mongolian ground beef noodles? Try these easy adjustments:

• Mild: Skip the red pepper flakes and use a little extra brown sugar for a sweeter sauce.
• Medium: Stick with ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of black pepper.
• Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and drizzle in sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick.

Making It Gluten-Free or Keto-Friendly

If you need a gluten-free option, substitute:

• Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of linguine.

For a keto-friendly version:

• Use ground turkey or chicken to lower fat content.
• Swap noodles for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to cut carbs.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out other delicious dinner ideas on PamPamRecipes. You might love trying something new like Chicken Tortellini Alfredo or a savory noodle dish for another quick and easy meal!

FAQs

How to cook Mongolian ground beef noodles?

Cooking Mongolian ground beef noodles is simple and takes about 30 minutes. First, cook the noodles until al dente and set them aside. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet with garlic and ginger. Once the beef is fully cooked, add the Mongolian sauce—a mix of soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Hoisin sauce, and seasonings. Let it simmer to enhance the flavors, then toss in the cooked noodles. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles completely. Finish with a garnish of green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

What is Mongolian beef sauce made of?

The sauce for Mongolian ground beef noodles is a rich, umami-packed blend of ingredients, including:

• Soy sauce – Adds salty, deep umami flavor.
• Beef broth – Enhances the meatiness of the dish.
• Brown sugar – Brings sweetness to balance the saltiness.
• Hoisin sauce – Provides thickness and a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic and ginger – Essential aromatics for a bold flavor.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat.

This sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy taste.

What are Mongolian noodles called?

While Mongolian cuisine itself doesn’t traditionally include a dish called “Mongolian noodles,” this recipe takes inspiration from American-Chinese Mongolian beef. The noodles used in the dish can vary, but common choices include:

• Linguine or spaghetti – Great for a pasta-style dish.
• Lo mein or chow mein noodles – Classic Asian noodle options.
• Rice noodles – Perfect for a gluten-free alternative.

What kind of noodles are used in Mongolian Grill?

At Mongolian BBQ-style restaurants, you’ll often see a variety of noodles, including:

• Udon noodles – Thick, chewy, and great for soaking up sauce.
• Lo mein noodles – Soft and slightly chewy.
• Rice noodles – A light, gluten-free option.

No matter what type of noodle you use, Mongolian ground beef noodles will turn out delicious!

Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions

A Quick, Flavorful Meal for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed dinner, Mongolian ground beef noodles should be at the top of your list. With a rich, savory sauce and tender beef, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.

What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Pair this dish with:

• Steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra greens.
• A fresh side salad with a light sesame dressing.
• Egg rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.

For even more quick and tasty recipes, explore other Asian-inspired dishes to expand your meal rotation!

If you love flavorful pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Tortellini Stuffed Recipe, perfect for pairing with your next meal!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Overcooking the Noodles

One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the noodles. Since they will continue to absorb sauce once mixed with the beef, it’s best to cook them just until al dente. This way, they stay firm and don’t turn mushy.

Not Browning the Beef Properly

For the best flavor, make sure to brown the ground beef completely before adding the sauce. Cooking it over medium-high heat and breaking it into small crumbles ensures it absorbs the seasonings evenly. If there’s too much fat, drain the excess grease so the sauce doesn’t become oily.

Using Too Much or Too Little Sauce

The sauce is the heart of Mongolian ground beef noodles, but getting the right balance is key. Too much sauce can make the dish too salty or sweet, while too little can result in dry noodles. If you prefer extra sauce, you can double the ingredients, but be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Skipping the Garnishes

Green onions and toasted sesame seeds aren’t just for decoration—they add freshness and texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds provides a nutty crunch, while green onions offer a hint of sharpness that balances the dish.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you perfect your Mongolian ground beef noodles every time!

How to Store and Reheat Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Best Way to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Mongolian ground beef noodles store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Follow these simple steps to keep them fresh:

1. Let the noodles cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
2. Transfer to an airtight container to lock in freshness.
3. Store in the refrigerator and avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

For longer storage, you can freeze Mongolian ground beef noodles for up to 2 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.

How to Reheat for the Best Taste

Reheating the noodles the right way helps them retain their texture and flavor. Here are the best methods:

• Stovetop (Best Method): Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of beef broth or water. Stir the noodles for 3–5 minutes until warm and saucy again.
• Microwave (Quickest Option): Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Oven (For Larger Portions): Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10–15 minutes.

Now, you can enjoy Mongolian ground beef noodles just as fresh as when you first made them!