Okay, friend, let me tell you about my *go-to* weeknight dinner: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! Seriously, if you need something fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this is IT. I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it until it’s *perfect* (if I do say so myself!). My family begs for it! I even taught my super picky neighbor how to make it. She now makes it weekly! It’s just one of those dishes that always hits the spot, you know? The best part? You can have a steaming bowl of delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles on the table in under 30 minutes. Trust me, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Seriously, what’s *not* to love? This recipe is a total winner! It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed, too:
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!
Packed with Flavor
That savory-sweet sauce? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s totally addictive. You’ll be licking your bowl clean, I promise!
Simple Ingredients
No fancy ingredients here! You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. Score!
Family-Friendly
Even the picky eaters will gobble this up. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, trust me.
Customizable
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes! Prefer different noodles? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible.
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 pound of ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 ‘cause it’s tastier!), ½ cup of soy sauce (low sodium is fine!), ¼ cup of packed brown sugar (that’s the secret!), 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger (fresh is best, trust me!), 2 cloves of minced garlic (don’t skimp!), ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more, if you’re brave!), 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti noodles (or linguine!), and 2 sliced green onions. Easy peasy!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is seriously so easy, you won’t believe it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time!
Browning the Ground Beef
First, grab a big skillet and crank it up to medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and crumble it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s nice and brown. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants greasy noodles!
Preparing the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Sauce
While the beef’s cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced ginger, minced garlic, and those red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Make sure it’s all smooth and combined. No one wants cornstarch clumps! For more information on cornstarch, you can check out cornstarch.com.
Combining Sauce and Beef
Now, pour that amazing sauce right over the browned ground beef in the skillet. Turn the heat down a bit and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens up into a beautiful, glossy glaze. Keep stirring so it doesn’t stick!
Adding the Noodles
Time for the best part! Add your cooked spaghetti or linguine (or whatever noodles you’re using!) to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are completely coated in that delicious Mongolian Ground Beef sauce. Get in there and make sure every strand is covered!
Garnish and Serve Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Finally, sprinkle those sliced green onions over the top for a pop of freshness and color. Serve it up immediately while it’s hot and steamy. Enjoy every single bite!
Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Want to take your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:
Adjusting the Spice Level
Those red pepper flakes? They’re your friend…or your foe! Start with a tiny pinch and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Trust me, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. Whoa, spicy!
Choosing Your Noodles
Spaghetti or linguine are my go-to, but honestly? Any noodles work! Egg noodles, ramen, even rice noodles if you’re feeling adventurous. Just cook ’em up according to the package directions, drain ’em well, and toss ’em in!
Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency
If your sauce isn’t thickening up enough, don’t panic! Just whisk a tiny bit more cornstarch (like, ½ teaspoon) with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. It’ll thicken right up!
Freshness of Ingredients
I know it sounds fussy, but using fresh ginger and garlic makes a HUGE difference. The flavor is just so much brighter and more vibrant. Trust me on this one!
Variations for Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This recipe is super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are a few of my favorite twists:
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables
Toss in some steamed broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or colorful bell peppers for extra nutrients and crunch. Seriously, veggies make everything better! I love adding snap peas too!
Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Feeling fiery? Add a squirt of sriracha or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick. Just be careful – a little goes a long way!
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Different Proteins
Out of ground beef? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well. You could even try using crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option!
Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
These noodles are pretty awesome on their own, but why not make it a *feast*? Here are a few things I love to serve alongside my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
Side Salad
A light and refreshing salad is *perfect* to cut through the richness of the noodles. Think crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
Steamed Vegetables
Steamed broccoli or green beans are a super easy and healthy addition. Plus, they add a nice pop of color to the plate!
Spring Rolls
For a little something crispy and crunchy, try serving these noodles with some fresh spring rolls. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These noodles are *just* as good the next day…maybe even better! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and get ’em hot again:
Storage Instructions
Just pop your leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles into an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to dig in again, you can either nuke ’em in the microwave (a minute or two should do it!) or reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if they seem dry. Boom! Deliciousness restored!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about my famous Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally cook the ground beef and sauce ahead of time. Then, just whip up some noodles and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat! Store the beef mixture and noodles separately in the fridge for best results.
How do I prevent the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles from being too salty?
Soy sauce can be sneaky! If you’re worried about saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also add a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance things out. Taste as you go, my friend!
Are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free?
Not with regular spaghetti! But don’t worry, you can easily make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free noodles, like rice noodles or quinoa noodles. Just double-check your soy sauce label too, as some contain wheat! For more on gluten-free options, see Celiac.org.
Can I add more vegetables to my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Heck yeah! Load ’em up! Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snow peas…the sky’s the limit! Just toss ’em in with the noodles at the end and you’re good to go.
Nutritional Information for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition, right? Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist! This is just an estimate, okay? The actual nutritional info for *your* Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will totally depend on the exact brands you use, how much oil you cook with, and whether you sneak in extra veggies (which you totally should!). So, take this with a grain of salt (a *small* grain of salt, since we’re already using soy sauce!).
Enjoyed This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Woohoo! I hope you loved this recipe as much as my family does! If you did, please leave a comment below and let me know! And hey, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media. Sharing is caring!
Irresistible Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mongolian-inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and easy recipe for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Enjoy this savory and slightly sweet dish in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces cooked noodles (spaghetti or linguine)
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the ground beef and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- You can use any type of noodles you like.
- For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg