If you love bold flavors, comforting noodles, and quick weeknight meals, these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will be your new go-to recipe. Inspired by classic Mongolian beef but simplified with ground beef and noodles, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want something better than takeout.
What Are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Traditional Mongolian beef uses thinly sliced flank steak stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. In this recipe, we swap steak for ground beef (budget-friendly and cooks faster) and toss it with noodles for a hearty one-pan meal. The result is a savory-sweet, garlicky sauce coating tender beef and chewy noodles — comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ 30-minute dinner – ready faster than takeout.
- ✅ Budget-friendly – uses ground beef and simple pantry staples.
- ✅ Family-approved – mild, flavorful, and customizable.
- ✅ Meal prep friendly – reheats well for lunches or weeknight leftovers.
- ✅ Versatile – adapt for gluten-free, vegetarian, or spicy versions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this recipe shine (plus substitutions to fit your diet):
- Noodles – Lo mein, spaghetti, rice noodles, or even ramen work.
- Ground beef – Lean 80/20 or 90/10. Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Soy sauce – Adds salty umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free).
- Hoisin sauce – Sweetness + depth. Can substitute with oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce + honey.
- Brown sugar – Balances the salty notes. Swap with honey or maple syrup.
- Garlic & ginger – Fresh is best, but paste or powder works in a pinch.
- Sesame oil – For nutty richness. Don’t skip if possible!
- Green onions – Bright freshness at the end.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings to noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for the perfect Mongolian ground beef noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Make the sauce: whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour sauce into the beef and simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Toss noodles with beef & sauce until well coated.
- Finish with sesame oil & green onions for freshness.
👉 Pro Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or broth after browning the beef. This lifts the flavorful browned bits and makes the sauce richer.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles; slightly underdone is best since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Taste the sauce before tossing with noodles — adjust sweetness or saltiness to preference.
- For spice lovers, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic paste.
- For restaurant-style shine, add a teaspoon of honey at the end.
Delicious Variations
- Healthy version: Use zoodles (zucchini noodles), lean ground turkey, and low-sodium soy sauce.
- Vegetarian version: Swap beef for crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based meat.
- Gluten-free version: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Spicy version: Stir in chili oil or fresh Thai chilies.
- Kid-friendly: Reduce garlic/ginger slightly and keep sauce on the sweeter side.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 4 servings)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
(Exact values vary based on noodle type and substitutions.)
FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I use spaghetti instead of Asian noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti works perfectly and is a common substitute.
What’s the difference between this and traditional Mongolian beef?
Traditional Mongolian beef uses sliced steak stir-fried with veggies. This version is faster, cheaper, and more filling with noodles.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely — portion into containers for easy lunches. Add steamed veggies for balance.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Cook ground beef on sauté mode, stir in sauce, then add noodles with water. Pressure cook for 4 minutes, quick release, and stir.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these noodles with:
- Steamed broccoli or bok choy.
- Asian cucumber salad.
- Egg rolls or dumplings for a takeout-style feast.
Final Thoughts
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect combination of comfort, speed, and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something better than takeout, this recipe checks all the boxes.
👉 Give it a try tonight, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly favorite.
