If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and satisfying textures, the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. This meal perfectly balances savory ground beef with a luscious, slightly sweet sauce, tossed with tender linguine noodles. It’s a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, comforting, and quick to whip up. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a deliciously memorable dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering that classic savory-sweet flavor that defines Mongolian-inspired dishes, while the noodles bring everything together with just the right bite.
- 10 oz linguine: This pasta holds sauce beautifully and offers a gentle, chewy texture that complements the beef.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference, as it provides the hearty protein base.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fragrant warmth and depth, essential for that garlicky punch.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brings sweetness that perfectly balances the savory soy and beef flavors.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Enhances richness and adds moisture to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: The salty umami backbone that brightens the dish.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Offers a slightly sweet, tangy complexity for an authentic touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Delivers a subtle warmth and aromatic spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and balance to sweetness.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick if you like things a little spicy.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used with cornstarch to form a slurry for thickening.
- 4 green onions, sliced: Brightens with fresh, crisp flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your linguine in a large pot of salted water following the package directions. You want it al dente so it holds up under the sauce. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside, ready to soak up all those delicious flavors coming next.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks and brown it nicely until no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy but still flavorful.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Sauces
With your beef browned, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for a minute until it releases its intoxicating aroma. Now, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, beef broth, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together and let the mixture bubble gently, allowing all those flavors to meld into a beautifully rich sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into your skillet and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, clingy consistency that will coat each noodle perfectly.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add your cooked linguine right into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated and infused with that savory Mongolian flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling the sliced green onions over the top. They add a fresh, slightly sharp bite and vibrant green color that makes this dish as pretty as it is tasty. Now, gather your favorite plates and dive into this comfort-filled noodle feast!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh green onions brightens this dish, but you can also add toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness or a handful of chopped cilantro to add a refreshing note. These little touches turn this home-cooked meal into something truly special and personalized.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone dinner, but for a more rounded meal, consider serving it alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or even an Asian slaw. These sides bring vibrant color and crunchy texture that complement the rich noodles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried shallots. You might also use spiralized vegetables in place of linguine for a lighter, lower-carb version that still delivers on flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making for even tastier bites the next time around.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though noodles can sometimes soften after thawing. To freeze, put the beef and sauce in one container and the noodles in another to maintain the best texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and combine before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle in this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully, you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even egg noodles depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste or omit them entirely.
Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used. They are leaner options and will change the flavor slightly but still yield a delicious result.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Swap linguine for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe scales up easily. Just make sure your skillet or pan is large enough to accommodate the ingredients evenly.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how easy and satisfying the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is to make. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish that comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a tasty, homemade meal without fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite weeknight dinner!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A savory and slightly sweet Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring tender linguine tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce made with ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz linguine
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- 4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil linguine in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef sauce.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the cooked ground beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet with the beef mixture and stir continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Mongolian ground beef noodles to serving plates and top with sliced green onions for a fresh, bright finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to taste if you prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce.
- If you want to make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili paste while cooking the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and linguine alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
