Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to please everyone. With savory ground beef, veggies, and soft noodles, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
I love how easy this meal is to whip up. Just stir-fry the beef and mix in some colorful veggies. Serve it hot, and watch everyone enjoy seconds! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using lo mein noodles for this dish; they’re perfectly chewy! If you can’t find them, spaghetti or rice noodles work well too. Just pay attention to cooking times.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal, but turkey or ground chicken can be great alternatives for a lighter dish. You could even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option!
Sauces: Soy sauce gives the dish its umami flavor, while hoisin adds sweetness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a less sweet option, reduce the hoisin or leave it out.
Ginger: Ground ginger is convenient, but fresh ginger adds a bolder flavor. If you can, grate fresh ginger; just use about a teaspoon instead of one tablespoon of ground ginger.
Onion & Garlic: Yellow or white onions work best for sweetness. If you’re short on fresh garlic, a half teaspoon of garlic powder can be used but fresh is always better!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Beef?
Cooking the ground beef just right can be tricky! Here are some steps to follow:
- Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough to brown the meat.
- Add the ground beef and let it sit without stirring for a minute or two to develop a nice browning.
- Break it up gently with a spatula. Aim for a crumbly texture rather than a mushy mix.
This will give you delicious, browned bits that add depth to your dish! If there’s excess fat, drain it before adding the sauce for a cleaner flavor.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (such as lo mein or spaghetti)
For the Beef Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. About 10 minutes for cooking the noodles and prepping the ingredients, and another 20 minutes for the stir-frying and mixing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite. Once done, drain them and set them aside. This will be the base of your delicious stir-fry!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them around for a couple of minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will add lots of flavor to your dish!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. Make sure to cook it well so it’s flavorful!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir until everything is well blended.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Pour your sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef and onions in the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
6. Mix in the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so that the noodles are nicely coated in the sauce. Keep stirring until the noodles are heated through, which should take just a minute or two.
7. Serve It Up:
Time to eat! Serve the noodles hot, and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra touch. Enjoy your delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein or spaghetti works great, you can also use other noodles like rice noodles or udon for a different texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type you’re using, and check the package instructions for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe! Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you’re using leaner meat to avoid drying it out.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add sriracha or chili sauce when you mix in the sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice!
