Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef for a lighter dish); 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred); 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 10 oz linguine (or spaghetti, or rice noodles for gluten-free); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love how easy and flavorful this dish is. The combination of ground beef and noodles is made even better with a sauce that’s both savory and sweet. The dish comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s highly customizable—whether I prefer it with ground turkey, different noodles, or extra veggies, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef is best for a lighter dish)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
10 oz linguine (or other long pasta like spaghetti; rice noodles for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine in a large pot of salted, boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. The total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 25-30 minutes.

Variations

Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Different Noodles: For a gluten-free option, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta work wonderfully.
Add Vegetables: You can add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute regular noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the noodles on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to rehydrate the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave the noodles in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even egg noodles work great for this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Just reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked noodles.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness?

Definitely! You can modify the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce depending on your taste preferences.

How do I avoid a greasy dish?

Be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after cooking to avoid a greasy sauce.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

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These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect weeknight meal, combining savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in a quick and easy dish. With lean ground beef, noodles, and a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar, this recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful dinner in under 30 minutes. Whether you enjoy it with extra veggies or opt for gluten-free noodles, this dish is customizable to your taste and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian, Mongolian-Inspired

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Garlic and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, pour in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together. Add this slurry to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

Swap the Protein: For a lighter or vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
Different Noodles: Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to stir in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a low-carb alternative to regular noodles.