Savory, saucy, and boldly satisfying—these Mongolian ground beef noodles are quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and fuss-free: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Bold flavor: Sweet, savory, and a little spicy — all in one dish.

Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and ground beef.
Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level and swap in different noodles or veggies.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes just as great reheated the next day.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup beef broth or water
8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
4 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce.

Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: Approximately 490 kcal per serving

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.

Try rice noodles or soba for a different texture.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
Swap the sweetener: use honey or maple syrup in place of brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy after thawing.

FAQs

How Spicy Is This Recipe?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for optional heat. You can adjust or omit them based on your spice tolerance.

Can I Use Another Type Of Noodle?

Yes, lo mein, spaghetti, ramen, or even udon noodles work well. Just cook them according to package instructions.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos and gluten-free noodles.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Stir-fry vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli pair wonderfully with the sauce.

What If I Don’t Have Sesame Oil?

You can substitute it with a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil, but the flavor will be less authentic.

Can I Use Fresh Ginger Instead Of Ground?

Yes, substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger with 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger for a more intense flavor.

How Do I Make It Less Sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or skip it altogether if you prefer a more savory profile.

Can I Prepare This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, cook the beef and sauce ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Use a large enough pan to accommodate the extra ingredients.

What Can I Serve With Mongolian Beef Noodles?

A simple side salad, steamed veggies, or egg rolls make excellent companions to this dish.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” on a busy night. With its bold flavors, quick prep, and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings both ease and satisfaction to the table.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful dinner featuring savory Mongolian-inspired ground beef tossed with tender noodles in a sweet and spicy garlic soy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 pound ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1/2 cup beef broth or water
8 ounces lo mein or spaghetti noodles
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

4 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
Substitute lo mein with spaghetti if unavailable.
Garnish with additional toppings like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner

Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 490 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 950mg

Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 70mg