If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, savory flavors and comforting textures, I just have to share my absolute favorite: the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe. This recipe brings together tender ground beef glazed in a luscious, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, paired perfectly with chewy udon noodles that soak up every bit of that deliciousness. It’s a weeknight winner that’s quick to prepare but tastes like you spent hours making it. Seriously, once you try this, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but combine to create an incredible taste experience. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich, savory soy sauce to the slight sweetness of brown sugar that balances the flavors flawlessly.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that’s full of flavor and protein.
- 10 ounces udon noodles: Thick and chewy noodles that soak up the sauce perfectly for a satisfying bite.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a little pungent kick to elevate the dish.
- ½ cup soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a lovely sweetness that balances the saltiness and adds richness.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Contributes a slightly sweet and tangy dimension that’s essential for authenticity.
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger: Infuses a zingy warmth that complements the garlic and soy beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat and complexity in their meals.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy finish.
- ¼ cup water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First things first, get your udon noodles going. Cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still have a nice chew. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside. This step is key because the noodles will soak up the sauce later on, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your lean ground beef. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s mostly browned. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute more until you can smell that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While your beef is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This sauce mixture is the heart of the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe, blending salty, sweet, and spicy notes in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir it all together and let the meat finish cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to infuse every morsel of beef with its rich taste.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Once your beef is perfectly coated in sauce, add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so the noodles get fully coated and start soaking up the delicious sauce.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
To give your Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe that signature glossy finish and luscious texture, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens up beautifully and clings to each strand of noodle and chunk of beef.
Step 7: Serve Fresh and Enjoy!
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve this comforting dish immediately. It’s at its best when the sauce is warm and luscious, coating every bite in pure deliciousness.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can take this dish from fantastic to unforgettable. Fresh chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and fresh bite. Toasted sesame seeds bring a bit of crunch and a subtle nutty note that complements the sauce perfectly. For a bit of extra spice, try a drizzle of sriracha or some thinly sliced fresh chili.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its rich flavors. Steamed or roasted broccoli adds a healthy greens touch and a crisp contrast. A crunchy Asian-style slaw brings freshness and texture. You could also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe in individual bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Or pack it into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings or lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick reheat meals when you’re short on time but want a satisfying dish.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. For best texture, use within 1 month. When freezing noodles and sauce, understand that the texture might change slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While udon noodles provide a chewy and satisfying texture, you can substitute with rice noodles, lo mein, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The level of spice depends on whether you use the optional red pepper flakes. You can skip them entirely for a milder dish or add more if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat alternatives or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and double-check your sauces to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers for meal prep?
Portion the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe into individual containers when it cools down, then refrigerate. This makes it easy to grab and go for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce?
Definitely! Taste your sauce mixture before adding it to the beef and noodles. If it’s too salty, add a bit more brown sugar or broth to balance, and if you want it sweeter, increase the brown sugar slightly.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect anytime you want quick, delicious food without a lot of fuss. Give it a try and I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to recipes before long!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe featuring tender udon noodles tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish combines ground beef cooked with garlic and ginger-infused soy-based sauce thickened with cornstarch for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces udon noodles
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 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 Agent
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the udon noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to be added later.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it is mostly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef cooks, 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. Stir and continue cooking the beef in the sauce until fully cooked and the flavors meld.
- Add Noodles: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet with beef and sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the skillet contents and continue stirring and cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles and beef nicely.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Mongolian ground beef and noodles immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Red pepper flakes are optional — add or omit based on your preferred spice level.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, but ground turkey or chicken could be substituted.
- Ensure to stir the sauce frequently when adding cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps.
- Udon noodles can be replaced with other thick wheat noodles or even ramen noodles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
