Description
A quick and flavorful 20-minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring a savory-sweet stir-fry of ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich homemade sauce. This comfort dish boasts bold Asian-inspired flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles (cooked and drained)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish
- 4 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger into the beef. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and coats the beef nicely.
- Combine Noodles and Green Onions: Add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce and ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy piping hot as a comforting main dish.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork to vary protein.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for more nutrition and crunch.
- Use rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free; ensure all sauces are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
