Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a tasty dish filled with ground beef, veggies, and flavorful sauce tossed with chewy noodles. It’s a quick meal that packs a punch!
This simple recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. When I make it, the smell draws everyone—and then we devour it like there’s no tomorrow! It’s just so good and easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These are essential for this dish’s authentic texture. If you can’t find them, I suggest using spaghetti or rice noodles as a substitute. They work well, too, and give you similar results!
Ground Beef: While I love the flavor of ground beef, feel free to swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based ground meat is also a great choice if you’re looking for something vegetarian.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and grated ginger are must-haves for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic and ginger paste can work too, but fresh is always best for that vibrant taste!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to for better control over saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative. You could also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet, tangy sauce is key for depth. If you’re out, a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of sugar can mimic the flavor nicely.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Browned?
Browning the ground beef properly helps build flavor in your dish, and it’s fairly simple! Here are some tips to achieve that perfect brown:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is adequately preheated before adding the beef.
- Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. If it’s too crowded, the beef will steam instead of brown.
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This creates a nice brown crust!
- Break it apart with a spatula, but don’t over-mix. You want those browned bits on the bottom for added flavor.
Following these steps will give your dish that rich, delicious flavor it deserves!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well once they’re done, then set them aside.
2. Sauté the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, along with the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until it’s nice and fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Pour this mixture over the beef in the skillet and stir well to combine everything. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet and toss them with the beef mixture until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your hot Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles on plates and garnish each serving with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can substitute them with spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the type of noodle you use, as they may vary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute, or use crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to enhance the dish!
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can mix equal parts soy sauce and peanut butter, or just add more soy sauce with a hint of honey for sweetness. It’ll give you a similar depth of flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pan and heat gently on the stove to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
