Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a savory and sweet dish that is sure to satisfy your craving for bold flavors. This recipe combines tender ground beef in a rich, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth. The dish is balanced with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes, making it the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Paired with linguine or your favorite type of noodle, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The best part of this Mongolian Beef and Noodle recipe is how simple it is to make. With minimal ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. This dish is ideal for busy days when you need a quick yet flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

2. Flavorful and Savory

The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth creates a rich and umami-packed sauce that complements the ground beef perfectly.

3. Customizable

Feel free to switch out the noodles with your favorite pasta or add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.

4. Family-Friendly

With its sweet and savory flavor profile, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal.

5. Budget-Friendly

Using ground beef makes this recipe affordable while still delivering a delicious and satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup hoisin sauce
2/3 cup beef broth
1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Noodles:

16 oz box of linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles
Green onion, optional (for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño for more heat.

Different Noodles: If you prefer a different type of noodle, feel free to use rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the beef is fully coated in the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine, making sure the noodles are coated with the flavorful sauce and beef mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Mongolian beef and noodles in bowls, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Nonstick Pan: A nonstick skillet or wok works best to prevent the beef from sticking and to easily stir the sauce.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. Conversely, reduce the amount for a more savory taste.

Add More Heat: If you like more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Mongolian Beef and Noodles can be served on its own or alongside steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or some pickled vegetables to balance the rich flavors. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a more filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth if necessary.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner protein.

2. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! You can use rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti in place of linguine. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.

3. Is hoisin sauce essential for this recipe?

Hoisin sauce is an important part of the sauce’s flavor profile, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a little sugar.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cook the noodles when you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers for extra heat.

6. What can I serve this with?

This dish is great on its own or served with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or even a side of dumplings or spring rolls.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

8. Can I freeze Mongolian Beef and Noodles?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

9. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reduces. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce for extra thickness.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a great option for a weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.