Savory Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

Looking for a dish that’s easy on the budget but big on flavor? This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe brings sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender noodles soaked in a rich sauce with perfectly browned ground beef make for a satisfying, comforting meal that's ready in no time. It's an ideal weeknight dinner that will quickly become a family favorite!

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first came across this delicious dish from Recipes by Lisa, a treasure trove of easy and tasty meal ideas I found on Facebook here. I was instantly hooked by the balance of flavors in this Mongolian-inspired dish and knew I had to share it with you.

This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mongolian beef, with its sweet and garlicky sauce, but uses budget-friendly ground beef to make it more accessible. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something delicious on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it's versatile enough for swapping ingredients or adding your own twist.

A Bit of Background

Mongolian beef, traditionally stir-fried with thinly sliced beef, originated from American Chinese restaurants, but this recipe uses ground beef for a quicker, simpler take. The sauce, rich in soy, brown sugar, and garlic, is the star of the dish, bringing sweet and savory flavors to every bite. Ground beef and noodles make it hearty and filling—perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Noodles: Start by cooking the noodles according to package directions. Once done, drain and set them aside while you prepare the sauce and beef.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce brings that classic sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Mongolian flavor to life.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour the sauce mixture into the beef and stir well. Add the cornstarch slurry, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the beef.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle with sesame oil.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that authentic touch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or even diced tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add Veggies: Toss in stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to add color, texture, and extra nutrients to your dish.

Perfect Pairings:

To elevate your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh Asian-inspired salad. A light and crisp white wine or a refreshing iced green tea would make the perfect beverage to complement this dish's rich flavors.

I hope you enjoy this easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe! Let me know how it turned out for you in the comments, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. If you want more quick, flavorful meals like this, hit the follow button for more delicious recipes!