If you’re craving a dish that brings bold, savory flavors with a dash of sweetness and a comforting noodle hug, then this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a joyful fusion of tender ground beef cooked in a rich, sticky sauce with garlic, soy, and hoisin, all tossed with perfectly cooked linguine for a meal that’s both easy and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that bursts with flavor. Each one has a special role—from the savory ground beef providing hearty protein to the sauces that build complexity and depth, and the noodles that bring it all together with a satisfying chew.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Choose lean ground beef for a tender, flavorful base without excess grease.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the savory soy and hoisin with a touch of sweetness.
- Beef broth (1/4 cup): Keeps the sauce rich and adds depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce (1/3 cup): Brings that classic salty umami that Mongolian dishes thrive on.
- Hoisin sauce (3 tablespoons): Contributes a sweet and slightly tangy complexity.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle spice layer.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a mild kick and aromatic heat.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional): If you like it spicy, these add a nice little zing.
- Linguine (10 oz): The perfect noodle choice—thin, smooth, and ready to soak up sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): The secret to thickening that luscious sauce just right.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used to dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to the sauce.
- Green onions (4, sliced): For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your linguine in a large pot of salted water, following the package directions to get that perfect al dente texture. Once the noodles are cooked just right—tender but with a slight bite—drain them and set them aside. This step is crucial because the noodles will soak up the rich sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Let it cook undisturbed until it turns brown and is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Draining any excess fat will keep your dish from becoming greasy while maintaining that meaty flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sauces
Now, stir in the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant—the aroma alone will make your mouth water. Next, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and optionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly so the rich sauce begins to meld with the beef.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
To get that signature thick, glossy sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly stir this into the skillet and let the sauce come to a gentle boil. The sauce will thicken beautifully, creating a sticky coating that clings to every noodle strand.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add your cooked linguine straight into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece of noodle is drenched in that flavorful sauce. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the noodles soak up all the goodness, sealing the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh and slightly pungent crunch. Serve immediately while hot, letting your guests dig into this comforting and vibrant Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with smiles all around.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish elevates the dish in both taste and presentation. Bright green onions add a crisp texture and a splash of color that balances the deep, rich sauce. If you want to get adventurous, a handful of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a main event, but pairing it with crunchy steamed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas creates a lovely contrast. A fresh cucumber salad or even a side of pickled radishes can provide a refreshing bite alongside these flavorful noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of cilantro or fresh basil for an herbal twist. You can even wrap the noodles in lettuce cups for a handheld, fun appetizer style that surprises and delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the leftovers an easy and satisfying meal to enjoy later in the week.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the noodles and beef mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture of the noodles might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavorful sauce will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems thick. Heat until warmed through and serve with fresh green onions for that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully for this recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is hoisin sauce necessary in the recipe?
Hoisin sauce adds a unique sweetness and depth to the dish, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of oyster sauce or a combo of soy sauce and a little honey.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Linguine or other medium-width noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine are perfect because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can easily leave them out to keep the heat low. The brown sugar and hoisin sauce will keep the flavors balanced and sweet without much spice.
Can I prepare any steps in advance to save time?
Yes! You can mince the garlic and slice the green onions ahead of time. You can also cook the noodles in advance and refrigerate them, just toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking before mixing with the sauce later.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. It’s quick enough for a cozy weeknight but flavorful enough to impress anyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to that perfect combination of savory, sweet, and just a little spicy noodles that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe offers a savory and slightly sweet stir-fried dish featuring tender ground beef and linguine soaked in a rich soy-hoisin sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and comforting meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle boil. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to coat the beef nicely.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked linguine noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly so that the noodles are evenly coated with the thickened sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh garnish. Serve the Mongolian ground beef noodles hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute linguine with any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
