Why You’ll Love This Recipe

30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that brings together tender noodles, savory-sweet Mongolian-style sauce, and hearty ground beef. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food and Asian-inspired flavors, ready in just half an hour with pantry-friendly ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefgarlicgingersoy saucedark brown sugarhoisinsaucesesame oilbeef brothcornstarchgreen onionsred pepper flakes (optional)noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)

directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, dark brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch.

Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly.

Sprinkle chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) on top.

Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta if needed.

Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture.

Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, any noodle like lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen works well.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild as-is, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for more heat.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Do I need hoisin sauce?

Hoisin adds a signature Mongolian flavor, but you can substitute with extra soy sauce and a dash of honey if needed.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, it has a sweet-savory taste that most kids enjoy.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, though noodles may soften slightly upon reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

What kind of beef should I use?

Lean ground beef (85%-90%) is ideal to minimize grease.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—just use a larger pan or cook in batches.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat and veggie broth for a vegetarian version.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of water or broth to thin it out while simmering.

Conclusion

30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the ultimate answer to busy nights when you want something fast, filling, and flavorful. With simple ingredients and bold taste, it’s a go-to meal that satisfies cravings without the takeout price.