Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
If you love bold, savory flavors and crave a comforting yet quick dinner, you are going to adore this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe. It brings together tender ground beef, chewy udon noodles, and a rich, slightly sweet sauce that’s bursting with garlic, ginger, and just a touch of spice. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels indulgently flavorful but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that satisfies every time, perfect for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe plays an important role, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes the dish so enjoyable. From the tender udon noodles providing the perfect chewy bite to the flavorful beef mixture that coats every strand, these basics are essential for achieving that homemade magic.
- Lean ground beef, 1 pound: Provides rich, hearty protein with just the right amount of fat for flavor.
- Udon noodles, 10 ounces: Thick and chewy noodles that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Adds a fragrant punch and depth to the dish.
- Soy sauce, ½ cup: Brings the classic salty umami base that Mongolian-style dishes are known for.
- Brown sugar, ¼ cup: Balances the salty soy sauce with a gentle sweetness.
- Beef broth, ¼ cup: Amplifies the meaty flavor and keeps the sauce luscious.
- Hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons: Offers a subtle tangy sweetness and richness.
- Ginger paste, 2 teaspoons: Gives a zesty aromatic warmth that brightens the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon (optional): A little kick of heat for those who love spicy notes.
- Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons: Key for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Water, ¼ cup: Used to dissolve the cornstarch for an even sauce texture.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking the udon noodles according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling them until they are just tender but still chewy — the kind of texture that holds up wonderfully to the sauce. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside so they’re ready to be combined with the beef and sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef. Cook until it’s mostly browned, letting it develop a bit of crust in spots for maximum flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute — this step releases that wonderful garlic aroma that makes the dish irresistible. Drain any excess fat so the sauce clings beautifully to the beef without becoming greasy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes if you’re going for a little heat. This mixture is where the magic happens, combining sweet, salty, spicy, and savory elements that are essential to the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe’s signature flavor.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Pour the freshly made sauce right into the skillet with the browned beef. Let everything simmer together so the beef can absorb those gorgeous flavors while finishing its cooking. This melding process turns everyday ground beef into something extraordinary.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Next, add the drained udon noodles to the pan. Toss them gently to coat every strand in that luscious sauce and beef mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and the noodles soak up all the savory goodness.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this slurry over the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, becoming glossy and perfectly clinging to both beef and noodles. This thickened sauce is what makes this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe feel so satisfying and well-rounded.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Remove the pan from heat and serve up your creation fresh and hot. The moment you dig in, you’ll taste all the layers of flavors and textures that make this dish such a beloved comfort food.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even more, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds. These simple touches add a pop of color and a bit of freshness or crunch that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Sometimes a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime can brighten it up too.
Side Dishes
The hearty nature of this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe means it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Think fresh steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For a fun twist, serve alongside some quick pickled vegetables or a bowl of miso soup to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make mealtime even more exciting? Serve this dish in individual shallow bowls for a cozy dinner vibe or pile it high on a large platter for sharing family-style. You can also try wrapping the noodles and beef mixture in lettuce leaves for a hand-held treat that’s both delicious and fun to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and you just might), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it great for next-day meals. Just be sure to eat within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe freezes well, making it a fantastic option to save for busy days. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal your future self will thank you for.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, so the beef and noodles heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While udon noodles are traditional and add a wonderful chewy texture, you can swap in ramen, lo mein, or even rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the noodles remain tender but firm.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked mushrooms for that umami richness. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep the rest of the sauce ingredients the same for a delicious meat-free alternative.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes provide a mild to moderate heat that adds just a little kick without overwhelming the flavors. If you prefer no heat at all, simply omit them. For those who love spicy food, feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare part of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the noodles and make the sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, cook the beef fresh and combine everything. This strategy helps speed up dinner without compromising on flavor.
What kind of ground beef is best for this dish?
Using lean ground beef (around 85-90% lean) works best because it offers good flavor without too much grease. Excess fat can be drained away after cooking to keep the sauce from becoming oily. However, a bit of fat is important for moisture and richness, so avoid extremely lean options like 95% lean.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal fuss. The combination of savory beef, sweet and salty sauce, and chewy noodles hits every craving perfectly. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation too.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender udon noodles with savory ground beef cooked in a rich, slightly sweet soy and hoisin sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces udon noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the udon noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and cook until it is mostly browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl until well combined.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Simmer together, allowing the beef to finish cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously while cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles and beef.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Mongolian ground beef and noodles immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add more or less to adjust spice level.
- Udon noodles can be substituted with other thick noodles if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Allow sauce to thicken sufficiently for best texture and flavor coating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
