Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup (60ml) hoisin sauce; ¼ cup (60ml) beef broth; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The quick cooking time and simple ingredients make it an ideal choice for a family dinner or meal prep. The noodles absorb the rich sauce, and the ground beef adds a hearty and savory component, making this dish both filling and delicious. Plus, it’s customizable with optional heat from crushed red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
¼ cup (60ml) beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine Sauce and Beef
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Mix in the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the beef and sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve
Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy hot!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. The sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to increase the heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any noodle of your choice, such as rice noodles, udon, or even ramen.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes for heat, but it’s mild unless you choose to add more spice.

4. Can I make this dish without hoisin sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar to achieve a similar flavor profile.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works as a great alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

6. How do I make this dish lower in sodium?

To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth, and omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

7. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

9. What can I serve this dish with?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or some crispy spring rolls.

10. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative and will still absorb the flavorful sauce well.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a satisfying, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy days. The tender noodles, savory beef, and delicious sauce come together in just under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it as is or tweak it to suit your preferences, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation.