Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

A Better-Than-Takeout Comfort Meal in 30 Minutes

Introduction

When you’re craving something savory, slightly sweet, deeply flavorful, and incredibly comforting, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect answer. This dish takes inspiration from classic Mongolian beef but simplifies it by using ground beef instead of sliced steak—making it faster, budget-friendly, and easier for home cooks.

The noodles are coated in a sticky, garlicky soy-based sauce, infused with ginger, brown sugar, and a touch of heat, then tossed with tender ground beef for a meal that tastes like your favorite takeout—only fresher and better.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ready in 30 minutes
✔ Budget-friendly ground beef
✔ Better than takeout
✔ Sweet, savory & garlicky
✔ Customizable spice level
✔ Family-approved comfort food

Ingredients Overview

This recipe has three main parts:

Noodles
Mongolian ground beef
Signature Mongolian sauce

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Noodles

250g (8–9 oz) egg noodles, lo mein, or spaghetti
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water

Ground Beef

500g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped

Mongolian Sauce

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional but recommended)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup water or beef broth

Aromatics & Seasoning

4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnish (Optional)

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large pot
Large skillet or wok
Wooden spoon
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add noodles and cook according to package instructions
Drain and set aside

Tip: Toss cooked noodles with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Hoisin sauce
Oyster sauce
Cornstarch
Water or broth

Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Add ground beef
Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned
Drain excess fat if needed

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour prepared Mongolian sauce into the skillet.
Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.

Step 6: Combine with Noodles

Add cooked noodles to the skillet.
Toss gently until noodles are fully coated with sauce.

Step 7: Finish & Garnish

Sprinkle black pepper and chili flakes
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Serve hot.

Flavor & Texture Profile

Flavor: Sweet, savory, garlicky, slightly spicy
Texture: Juicy beef, silky noodles, sticky sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with:

Steamed broccoli
Stir-fried vegetables
Cucumber salad
Spring rolls

Recipe Variations

Spicy Mongolian Noodles

Add chili paste or sriracha

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas

Chicken or Turkey Version

Replace beef with ground chicken or turkey

Low-Carb Option

Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use low-sodium soy sauce
Don’t overcook garlic
Taste sauce before adding noodles
Adjust sweetness to preference

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking noodles
Skipping cornstarch
Adding sauce on high heat
Using very lean beef

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container
Keeps well for 3–4 days

Reheating

Reheat on stovetop with splash of water
Microwave in short intervals

Meal Prep Tips

Make sauce ahead of time
Cook beef and noodles separately
Combine when ready to eat

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving:

Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 22g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use spaghetti instead of Asian noodles?

Yes, spaghetti works perfectly.

Is Mongolian beef actually Mongolian?

No—it’s a Chinese-American inspired dish.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce brown sugar to taste.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes—omit chili flakes for kids.

Final Thoughts

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are everything you want in a weeknight meal—fast, comforting, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and bold taste, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.