There's nothing quite like a plate of savory, umami-rich Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to satisfy your cravings. Imagine tender noodles coated in a sweet and salty sauce, with perfectly browned ground beef and crisp-tender vegetables adding texture and flavor. It's the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners exciting without taking all evening to prepare.

I first tried a version of this recipe during a frantic week, craving something hearty yet easy to throw together. Since then, it's become a staple in my household, loved for its bold flavors and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Get ready to fall head over heels for this recipe. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles isn’t just tasty; it’s a lifesaver for busy families and hungry individuals alike. Here’s why it deserves a place in your weekly rotation.
First and foremost, it's a quick and easy one-pan wonder. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal bursting with flavor and a kitchen that’s still relatively clean. No need for multiple pots or pans – just one skillet does the job!
This dish is also incredibly budget-friendly. Ground beef is typically more affordable than steak, and when paired with simple pantry ingredients like soy sauce and brown sugar, you’ve got a meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
Another reason to love it? It’s super versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. No matter what you have on hand, these noodles adapt beautifully, making it the perfect use-what-you-have meal.
Lastly, the rich, savory-sweet sauce is a crowd-pleaser. It's the ultimate balance of flavors, with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. One bite, and you'll find yourself making this recipe over and over again.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles lies in its simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
- Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Leaner beef works too but may require a splash of oil to keep it from drying out.
- Noodles: I prefer using lo mein or spaghetti for this recipe. Their slightly chewy texture works well with the sauce, but feel free to experiment with other long noodles like fettuccine or rice noodles.
- Soy Sauce: Both low-sodium and regular soy sauce work here, but I suggest starting with low-sodium if you’re sensitive to salt. This provides the rich, savory base of the sauce.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds that essential hint of sweetness that balances the soy sauce. Dark brown sugar will make the sauce richer, but light brown works just fine.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are key to creating an authentic flavor. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make all the difference, but you can use the jarred versions if you’re pressed for time.
- Vegetables: This recipe is a great way to clean out your fridge! Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli are my favorites, but you can use snap peas, mushrooms, or whatever you have.
- Sesame Oil and Green Onions: Toasted sesame oil gives the dish its signature nuttiness, and sliced green onions add freshness at the end. Don't skip these finishing touches!
If you have a large skillet or wok, it makes the process smoother. A fine-mesh strainer is helpful, too, for rinsing vegetables quickly.
How To Make This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Creating these tasty noodles couldn’t be simpler. Let me walk you through the steps so you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Start by boiling the noodles in a large pot of salted water. While they cook, prep your other ingredients to keep everything moving quickly. Once the noodles are al dente, drain and set them aside. A small drizzle of oil helps prevent sticking.
Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, and once it’s fully browned, drain any excess grease. This helps the flavors stay rich but not greasy.
Reduce the heat slightly and add your aromatics. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant – this should only take about a minute. Be careful not to burn them, as they can become bitter.
Now it’s time to create the sauce. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken and coat the beef.
Toss in the cooked noodles and your vegetables. Stir everything together so the sauce clings to each strand of noodle and every piece of vegetable. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of water until you reach the desired consistency.
Finish the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs in, savoring every bite of this flavor-packed meal.
Total prep and cook time? Just 30 minutes from start to finish, making this a perfect weeknight go-to.
Storage Options
Leftovers of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a treat! Here’s how to store them properly.
For the best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s lunch even more delicious.
To reheat, add a splash of water to the noodles and warm them over medium heat in a skillet. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid uneven hot spots.
If you’d like to freeze this dish, I recommend doing so without the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Store the sauce and beef mixture separately, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, cook fresh noodles and toss them with the thawed beef and sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Protein Options: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each variation brings a unique flavor to the dish.
- Veggie Lovers: Feel free to pack in more vegetables! Zucchini, snow peas, or even spinach make excellent additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose.
- Spicy Twist: Love a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to spice things up. You can also sauté some sliced jalapeños with the beef for extra kick.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the dish just as flavorful while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Low-Sugar Version: Substitute the brown sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing taste.
Feel free to experiment with your own twist on these noodles – that’s part of the fun! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe has endless possibilities. Enjoy!
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Savor the bold, delicious flavors of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, a perfect blend of savory beef, tender noodles, and a rich, garlicky sauce. This easy recipe brings comfort to the dinner table and is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for more texture and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
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