Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

There's something magical about the fusion of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in Mongolian-inspired dishes. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe captures all that deliciousness in a quick, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender noodles, coated in a glossy sauce, paired with flavorful ground beef, make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a way to recreate my favorite takeout flavors at home. With a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that rivals your local restaurant. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe! Here’s why Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will be a hit in your home:

First, it’s unbelievably quick and easy to make. From start to finish, this dish takes just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the rest of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s completely versatile. Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Lastly, it’s an all-in-one meal. With protein, noodles, and veggies all in one dish, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest eaters without the need for extra sides.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering bold, balanced flavors:

• Ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, simply drain the excess grease after browning.
• Soy sauce: This is the backbone of the sauce. For a richer flavor, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the salt to your liking.
• Brown sugar: Adds the signature sweet touch that makes Mongolian flavors so irresistible. Light or dark brown sugar works fine.
• Ginger and garlic: These aromatics provide depth and a fragrant kick. Fresh is best, but you can substitute ground versions in a pinch.
• Noodles: Use lo mein, spaghetti, or any other long noodle. Cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy in the sauce.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers add texture and color. Frozen stir-fry blends are a convenient shortcut.
• Sesame oil: A small drizzle elevates the dish with its nutty aroma, making it feel extra special.

No special equipment is needed – just a large skillet and a pot for boiling the noodles!

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Creating this flavorful dish is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time:

1. Cook the noodles: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt, then cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease if needed.
3. Sauté aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic and ginger to the other side. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then stir them into the beef.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, a splash of water, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir well.
5. Combine and toss: Add the cooked noodles and your chosen vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the veggies are tender.
6. Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil over the dish and give it one final toss.

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu work wonderfully in place of ground beef.
• Make it spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and swap the noodles for rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
• Amp up the veggies: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy for extra texture and nutrients.
• Try a different noodle: Rice vermicelli, udon, or soba noodles each bring a unique twist to the dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is sure to become a household favorite. The combination of bold flavors, tender noodles, and easy preparation makes it a winner every time. Give it a try tonight – you won’t regret it!

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