Introduction
The Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe brings together the bold, savory sweetness of classic Mongolian flavors with the comfort of tender noodles. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible, restaurant-style meal in under 30 minutes. With the deep umami of soy sauce, the warmth of ginger, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish offers a balance of sweetness and spice that every family member will love.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Inspired by traditional Mongolian beef, this easy skillet meal uses ground beef instead of sliced steak, making it budget-friendly, faster, and easier to prepare. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that tastes like takeout but feels homemade, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
One-Pan Magic: Minimal cleanup — just one skillet needed!
Sweet & Savory Perfection: A blend of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger creates deep, addictive flavor.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the comforting, balanced taste.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and noodles are inexpensive yet filling.
Customizable: Works with udon, spaghetti, or ramen noodles.
Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully.
Restaurant Quality: Feels like your favorite Asian takeout — but homemade.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef – provides rich flavor and protein; choose 85–90% lean.
10 ounces udon noodles – for chewy, authentic texture; substitute spaghetti if needed.
4 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
Sauce Ingredients
½ cup soy sauce – the backbone of that salty, umami flavor.
¼ cup brown sugar – balances the savory notes with caramelized sweetness.
¼ cup beef broth – enriches the sauce and keeps it from being too salty.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – introduces mild sweetness and complexity.
2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger – brightens the dish with warmth.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – for a gentle heat kick.
Thickening
2 tablespoons cornstarch + ¼ cup water – makes the sauce glossy and thick enough to cling to the noodles.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside, keeping them warm.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until it’s mostly browned. Stir frequently to break it into small crumbles. Add minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes. This sauce delivers that classic Mongolian-style sweet-salty harmony.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Noodles
Toss in the cooked noodles and stir well to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens and clings perfectly to the beef and noodles.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.
Pro Tips
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Toss cooked noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil before adding to the beef mixture to prevent clumping.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! Try ramen, rice noodles, or spaghetti for variations on this Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles Recipe.
What vegetables go well with this dish?
Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a balanced meal packed with color and crunch.
How can I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or stir in Sriracha for a fiery kick.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe with:
Steamed jasmine rice for a heartier meal.
A side of Asian cucumber salad for freshness.
Or, serve with garlic butter broccoli for a vibrant plate.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 475
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Substitute an equal amount of lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the Mongolian Beef Noodle Skillet Recipe.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of udon for a gluten-free variation.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily! Just ensure your pan is large enough for the noodles to mix evenly with the sauce.
Variations
Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Vegetarian: Swap beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based mince.
Extra Sweet: Add a splash of honey for enhanced caramel flavor.
Asian Fusion: Add peanut butter and lime juice for a Thai twist.
Conclusion
The Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe is a sweet, savory, and soul-warming meal that turns pantry staples into something special. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining, this easy noodle dish satisfies every craving for Asian-inspired comfort food.