Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

This easy-to-make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring tender noodles that are sure to please. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you want something quick yet satisfying. Its rich taste rivals that of your favorite takeout, ensuring you’ll love every bite.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Noodles
• For Thickening the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
• Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Add Some Crunch
• Serve with a Side Salad
• How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles better than takeout?
• Can I use other types of meat?
• How do I adjust the spice level?
• What are some good vegetable additions?
• How long does this recipe take?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of ginger, garlic, and sauces creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting sweetness levels.
• Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef makes this recipe affordable without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the deliciousness of these flavorful noodles.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for cooking pasta
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for browning ground beef and mixing sauce with noodles.
• Pot for cooking pasta: Ensures even cooking for your noodles for optimal texture.
• Cutting board and chef’s knife: Makes chopping ingredients like garlic and ginger safe and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Noodles

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar (reduce to ⅓ or ¼ cup for less sweetness)
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (low-sodium if available)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 10 ounces noodles (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

For Thickening the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• 4 medium green onions, sliced

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How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Add minced ginger and garlic during the last two minutes of cooking. Break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the ground beef cooks, prepare your pasta according to package instructions. Remember not to salt the pasta water since the sauce contains enough sodium. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

After draining excess fat from the cooked ground beef, return it to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Mix well until combined.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this mixture to your skillet and stir continuously. Bring it to a low boil until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Gently fold in your cooked noodles into the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly so that each noodle is properly coated with that delicious sauce. Allow them to sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all those great flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. Enjoy this fantastic sweet and savory noodle dish that’s better than takeout!

How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Serving Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is all about enhancing the dish with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can brighten up the dish and provide a burst of freshness.

Add Some Crunch

• Crushed Peanuts: For a nutty taste, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before serving.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can give an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Serve with a Side Salad

• Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad can balance the richness of the noodles.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds texture and complements the sweet and spicy flavors.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

To ensure your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Modify the brown sugar amount based on your preference for sweetness.
• Add Vegetables for Nutrition: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
• Let Flavors Marinate: Allowing the noodles to sit in the sauce for a few minutes helps absorb all those delicious flavors.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Pairing side dishes with your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side is easy to prepare and adds a vibrant color contrast.
2. Fried Rice: A classic choice that complements the flavors of Mongolian noodles beautifully.
3. Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls offer a delightful crunch alongside your noodle dish.
4. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that balances out the meal without overwhelming it.
5. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw adds brightness and crunch, perfect for cutting through the richness of the noodles.
6. Sesame Garlic Edamame: These protein-packed pods are seasoned with garlic and sesame oil, making them a tasty snack or side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter pitfalls when preparing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to properly brown the ground beef can result in a dish lacking flavor. Make sure to cook until it’s fully browned for the best taste.
• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking the noodles for too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely and drain them just before they are al dente.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not adjusting the sweetness or spice level can lead to an unbalanced dish. Taste your sauce as you cook and tweak it according to your preferences.
• Rushing the Sauce Thickening: If you rush adding the cornstarch slurry, your sauce may not thicken properly. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes after adding the slurry for optimal thickness.
• Ignoring Vegetable Additions: Many skip adding vegetables, leaving out extra nutrition and flavor. Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and nutrients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

• Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles better than takeout?

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are made fresh at home, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients according to your preference.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while maintaining great flavor.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To increase spiciness, simply add more red pepper flakes or sriracha according to your taste preference.

What are some good vegetable additions?

Great options include broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. You can sauté them with the beef or steam them separately.

How long does this recipe take?

This easy recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or adjust sweetness and spice levels based on your liking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal that rivals any takeout!