Hey there! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dinner recipe that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. Well, let me tell you, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe checks all those boxes and then some. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something that tastes amazing without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your family is going to love it!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always trying to find ways to make dinner easier while still keeping it full of flavor, and this recipe has become one of my go-tos. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup. Plus, it’s full of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that balance each other out perfectly. What’s not to love?
I can throw it together in under 30 minutes, and it’s a hit every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just trying to get something on the table after a long day, this recipe is one that I turn to again and again. The combination of tender ground beef, noodles, and a homemade Mongolian sauce is seriously so simple yet so delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
- Ground beef – I typically use lean ground beef for this recipe, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Noodles – I like using egg noodles for this, but any noodle you prefer will work just fine.
- Soy sauce – This adds that signature salty flavor we all love in Asian dishes.
- Brown sugar – A little sweetness to balance out the soy sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic gives this dish that rich, savory base.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger makes a world of difference. If you can get your hands on it, go for it!
- Green onions – For that extra burst of flavor and a little crunch.
- Sesame oil – Just a dash goes a long way in adding depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce, making it stick to the noodles just right.
I’m sure most of these ingredients are already in your pantry or fridge, which is why this recipe is so great. It’s budget-friendly and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Now, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy to follow, and I promise you can handle it—even after a long day.
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First, get your noodles boiling. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add in the noodles, and cook them according to the package instructions. You want them just a little firm because they’re going to absorb some of the sauce later on. Drain them once they’re done, and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the noodles are cooking, heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, and break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat. It’s a quick step, but it really makes a difference in keeping the dish from getting too greasy.
Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This simple sauce is what makes the dish so flavorful, and it’s the key to tying everything together. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the sauce to the cooked ground beef in your skillet. Stir it around so the beef is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens up. You’ll start to notice the sauce cling to the beef and smell absolutely amazing.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to add the cooked noodles. Toss them right into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together so the noodles are fully coated in that savory sauce. If you need to, you can add a little splash of water to help thin the sauce out a bit, but don’t go overboard. You want that sauce to stick to the noodles, not drown them.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After everything is mixed together, it’s time to garnish. Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a burst of freshness and a little crunch. Serve it up and enjoy!
Tips for Making This Recipe Even Better
- Use your favorite noodles: While I love egg noodles for this dish, you can also use lo mein noodles, ramen noodles, or even rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
- Add veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? You can add in sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even broccoli. Just toss them in with the beef while it’s cooking, and they’ll cook right along with it.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It’ll add that extra zing you might be looking for.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Nights
What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. After a busy day of work, errands, and life in general, I’m usually looking for something that doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, which is exactly what I need.
Plus, it’s a great way to satisfy your family with a delicious dinner that won’t leave you scrambling at the last minute. The best part is that it’s customizable, so if you have picky eaters at home, you can adjust it to fit their tastes.
Final Thoughts
I think you’ll really love this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. It’s got everything: flavor, ease, and that “wow” factor without the stress of complicated steps. It’s one of those recipes that I keep in rotation because I know it’s going to turn out great every time. And honestly, there’s nothing better than hearing my family’s compliments when we all sit down to eat.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick and amazing dinner, give this recipe a try. It’ll quickly become a favorite in your house too. Let me know how it turns out, or if you made any fun tweaks—I’d love to hear about it!
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Dinner You’ll Love
Ingredients
- Ground beef – I typically use lean ground beef for this recipe but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- Noodles – I like using egg noodles for this but any noodle you prefer will work just fine.
- Soy sauce – This adds that signature salty flavor we all love in Asian dishes.
- Brown sugar – A little sweetness to balance out the soy sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic gives this dish that rich savory base.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger makes a world of difference. If you can get your hands on it go for it!
- Green onions – For that extra burst of flavor and a little crunch.
- Sesame oil – Just a dash goes a long way in adding depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch – This helps thicken the sauce making it stick to the noodles just right.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- First, get your noodles boiling. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add in the noodles, and cook them according to the package instructions. You want them just a little firm because they’re going to absorb some of the sauce later on. Drain them once they’re done, and set them aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- While the noodles are cooking, heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, and break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat. It’s a quick step, but it really makes a difference in keeping the dish from getting too greasy.
Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. This simple sauce is what makes the dish so flavorful, and it’s the key to tying everything together. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce
- Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the sauce to the cooked ground beef in your skillet. Stir it around so the beef is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens up. You’ll start to notice the sauce cling to the beef and smell absolutely amazing.
Step 5: Toss in the Noodles
- Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to add the cooked noodles. Toss them right into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together so the noodles are fully coated in that savory sauce. If you need to, you can add a little splash of water to help thin the sauce out a bit, but don’t go overboard. You want that sauce to stick to the noodles, not drown them.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- After everything is mixed together, it’s time to garnish. Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for a burst of freshness and a little crunch. Serve it up and enjoy!