Mongolian Beef Noodles
If you love takeout flavors but want something you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a must-try! It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with comforting noodles that soak up all that delicious sauce.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15 works best)
- 12 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse lightly with cool water, and set aside. - Brown the beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary. - Add aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. This base layer brings out the authentic Mongolian-inspired flavor. - Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture into the pan with the beef. - Thicken the sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the beef. - Add veggies
Toss in the carrots and bell peppers. Stir fry for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but not mushy. - Combine with noodles
Add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. - Garnish & serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh green onions before serving hot.
Pro Tips
- Noodle choices: You can swap spaghetti for ramen, udon, or rice noodles depending on what you have. Each adds a unique texture.
- Vegetable add-ins: Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work great in this dish. Don’t hesitate to clean out the fridge with extra veggies!
- Make it ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 470 | 25g | 48g | 18g | 4g | 9g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles strike the perfect balance between comfort food and quick weeknight dinner. Unlike traditional Mongolian beef that uses flank steak, this version with ground beef is budget-friendly and cooks faster without losing any of that crave-worthy flavor.
The sauce is a delicious harmony of salty soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and savory hoisin and oyster sauce, clinging to every strand of noodle. The veggies add crunch and freshness, while the green onions and sesame seeds brighten up the final dish.
It’s also highly versatile—you can adjust the spice level, change up the veggies, or even double the recipe for meal prep. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or just want to skip the takeout line, this recipe is a true kitchen hero. Fast, affordable, and undeniably tasty—your new go-to noodle dish!