There’s something magical about a family dinner that brings everyone together — laughter echoing through the kitchen, the clink of dishes, and that familiar aroma of comfort food filling the air. This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is one of those heartwarming meals my nonna would’ve called “comfort with a twist.”
While it’s inspired by traditional Mongolian beef — sweet, savory, and spiked with garlic and soy — we’re giving it an American springtime makeover with ground beef and hearty noodles. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. What more could a busy family ask for?
Let’s dive into this flavor-packed noodle bowl that just might become your new weeknight favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Fast and Easy: Just one pan, 30 minutes, minimal prep.
- Affordable Ingredients: Ground beef, pantry staples, and noodles.
- Spring-Inspired: Fresh green onions, optional sugar snap peas or asparagus.
- Kid-Approved: Sweet and savory flavors with zero heat.
- Customizable: Use ramen, linguine, or even gluten-free noodles.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Here’s everything you’ll need for this rich, satisfying dish:
For the Noodles
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- Water and salt for boiling
For the Mongolian Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for leaner beef)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For Garnish & Extras
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots or sugar snap peas (optional for spring flair)
- Sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions (usually 7–9 minutes).
- Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes or until browned and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Drain excess fat, if any.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Mongolian Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, broth, and hoisin sauce.
- Pour into the pan with the beef and stir well.
- Let simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Add cornstarch slurry and mix until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in sesame oil for that rich, nutty finish.
Step 6: Toss Noodles and Serve
- Add cooked noodles directly into the beef sauce.
- Toss to coat well.
- Add sliced green onions and spring vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
- Make it Healthier: Sub ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Low Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy blend beautifully.
- Gluten-Free: Sub tamari for soy sauce and use rice noodles.
Springtime Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cucumber sesame salad or a simple ginger-miso soup.
- A chilled rosé or floral white tea pairs wonderfully.
- Serve in shallow bowls with chopsticks or forks — either works!
Cooking with Kids
This recipe is a wonderful family activity! Let your kids:
- Stir the sauce.
- Tear fresh herbs.
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.
Turn your kitchen into a spring noodle bar!
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
- Freezer-friendly? Yes! Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving, approx.) for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
Final Thoughts
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles strike the perfect balance between bold flavor and cozy satisfaction. It’s a recipe that celebrates the beauty of simplicity, with enough flavor to make your family ask for seconds (or thirds). Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday dinner, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Have you made this recipe? Drop a comment below, tag your noodle bowl pics with #HomeWithSarah, or let us know how you added your own twist!
Stunning Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This stunning Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect spring family dinner—sweet, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes!
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Pasta pot
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots or snap peas (optional)
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
- chili flakes (optional)
Boil the noodles in salted water. Drain and toss with sesame oil.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat.
Add garlic and ginger to the beef, cooking for 1 minute.
Mix soy sauce, sugar, broth, and hoisin. Add to skillet. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened. Add sesame oil.
Add noodles to the skillet, toss to coat. Garnish and serve hot.
Use ground turkey for a leaner option. Add spring veggies like snap peas for freshness.
More Ground Beef & Skillet Dinner Favorites
- Craving more beef stir fry? Don’t miss our Delicious Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry—a zesty, veggie-packed option.
- Prefer baked comfort food? Try the hearty Hobo Casserole With Ground Beef Potatoes.
- Looking for a creamy skillet meal? Our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice brings cozy to the table.
- For a quick, cheesy dish, try the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo—one pan, loads of flavor.
- Baked with a twist? The Ultimate Chicken Cobbler Recipe delivers layered, savory satisfaction.
- Love pasta? Then you’ll enjoy the Pesto Chicken Tortellini with Veggies—bright and filling.
- Low-carb mood? This Burger Bowls Recipe is bold, customizable, and weeknight-perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles offer a hearty texture, you can substitute them with ramen, spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Mongolian ground beef and sauce in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with freshly cooked noodles.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean ground beef (or turkey), reduce the sugar slightly, and add more spring vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—unless you add chili flakes. The core recipe is sweet and savory, perfect for kids and spice-sensitive eaters.
Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion
This Stunning Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe isn’t just dinner — it’s an experience. From the sweet and salty glaze to the satisfying slurp of saucy noodles, it’s the kind of meal that brings joy to the table and makes weeknight dinners feel like a treat. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, budget-friendly, customizable, and utterly delicious.
Cook it once and we guarantee it’ll become a repeat favorite.
