Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and savory dish that combines ground beef with a flavorful sauce and tender noodles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal that is sure to satisfy. The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic creates a rich and umami-packed sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Directions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a lighter variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground beef or extra tofu and vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to create a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in some vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Noodle Variations: Experiment with different types of noodles like rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti if you don’t have traditional Asian noodles on hand.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore the sauce’s consistency, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, any type of noodle you prefer can be used. Rice noodles, udon, or spaghetti work great as alternatives.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the noodles when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles? It’s best to store the noodles and beef mixture separately for freezing. The noodles may become soft upon reheating, but the beef can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- What other vegetables can I add to this dish? Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli would all make excellent additions.
- Is this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
- Can I use honey instead of brown sugar? Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
- Is this recipe spicy? No, this recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
- Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger? Yes, fresh grated ginger is the preferred option in this recipe for the best flavor.
- What can I serve with this dish? Serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Can I use low-sodium soy sauce? Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a healthier alternative with less salt.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a simple, savory, and customizable dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A savory and sweet Mongolian-inspired dish with tender ground beef, noodles, and a rich soy-based sauce. Quick to prepare and full of bold flavors, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet, toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes