Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Noodles: Egg noodles give a great texture, but spaghetti works too! If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles or soba noodles. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is standard, but turkey or ground chicken are healthy alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.

Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add authentic flavor. If you’re short on fresh, garlic powder and ground ginger can work, but fresh is best for a punchier taste.

Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: These bring sweetness and umami. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative for a healthier option. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free version.

Vegetables: Carrots and bell peppers add crunch and color. Feel free to swap in broccoli, snap peas, or whatever veggies you have on hand!

How Do You Cook the Noodles Just Right?

Cooking noodles properly is key for this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Bring plenty of salted water to a boil before adding your noodles. This helps flavor them as they cook.
• Check the package for exact cooking times. Aim for al dente, which means they should be firm to the bite.
• Once done, drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents them from getting mushy.
• Set them aside and remember not to stir too much until you add them to the beef mixture later—this keeps them from breaking apart!

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dish:

• 8 oz noodles (egg noodles or spaghetti)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth

For Seasoning and Garnish:

• Red pepper flakes or chili paste (optional, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep and cooking time, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option. Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something delicious!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

First, cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 6-10 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside. A little tip: you can rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process, making sure they don’t get mushy!

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

Next, grab a large pan or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and cook it until it’s nicely browned, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

Now it’s time to add in some flavor! Add the minced garlic, ginger, and half of the chopped green onions to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

Next up, toss in the julienned carrots and bell peppers (if you’re using them). Stir-fry for around 3-4 minutes, keeping the veggies tender-crisp and packed with goodness.

5. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water or beef broth. This sauce will add a delicious coating to your noodles!

6. Combine Everything:

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked beef and veggies. Stir everything together to combine, letting it cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Toss in the Noodles:

Add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together to ensure the noodles are well coated with that tasty sauce. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!

8. Season to Taste:

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste if you like some heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the pan from heat and transfer your delicious meal to serving plates. Garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

10. Enjoy Your Meal:

Your easy Mongolian ground beef noodles are ready to enjoy! Dig in and savor the flavors!

FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be swapped for the beef in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.

What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?

No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use more soy sauce along with a dash of sugar or even some barbecue sauce as a substitute. This will still provide a nice balance of sweetness and savory flavor!

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a pan and toss with freshly cooked noodles to serve.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!