Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch red pepper flake, optional; 10 oz linguine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 4 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner that packs serious flavor and comfort into every mouthful, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. This dish is a savory-sweet noodle bowl spun together with juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, a glossy, umami-rich sauce, and plenty of tender linguine, all crowned with a sprinkle of green onions. In hardly any time at all, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy plate on your table—one that gets rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something absolutely crave-worthy. Every ingredient is there for a reason, contributing richness, texture, depth, or a pop of color. Here’s why each one matters:

Ground Beef: Gives the dish its hearty, savory base and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Five whole cloves add punchy fragrance and real depth. Use fresh for best results!
Brown Sugar: Helps balance the salty notes with a lovely caramelized sweetness.
Beef Broth: Enriches the sauce and ties all the flavors together.
Soy Sauce: Provides that essential umami trifecta—salty, deep, and delicious.
Hoisin Sauce: For extra savory-sweet complexity; don’t skip it!
Ground Ginger: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice that’s absolutely key.
Ground Black Pepper: Gives the dish a mild kick without overpowering the sauce.
Red Pepper Flake (optional): If you like a subtle heat, just a pinch will do.
Linguine: This pasta holds the glossy sauce and delivers the ideal chewy bite.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so each noodle strand gets coated perfectly.
Water: Just for the cornstarch slurry; cold is best to prevent lumps.
Green Onions: To finish, for a fresh, crisp flavor and a burst of color.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of water and cooking your linguine until it’s just al dente—firm with a little bite. This stage is crucial since the pasta will continue to absorb flavor later. Drain it well and set it aside while you work on the rest; that little pause lets the noodles get ready to soak up lots of savory goodness in the next steps.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a roomy, heavy-bottomed skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. You want the beef nicely browned with zero pink left. Once it’s ready, drain off the excess fat—just don’t fret if a little remains. That bit of fat brings richness and helps fuse all the flavors together.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. You’ll start smelling that familiar, mouthwatering vibe instantly. Keep an eye on it—garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. A quick sauté is all you need to infuse the beef with a delicious, roasted undertone.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Now add the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce to the skillet, along with the ground ginger and black pepper. For a gentle kick, toss in a small pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and watch as the sauce becomes glossy and fragrant—this is the backbone of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. As the sauce comes to a gentle boil, you’ll notice it thickening up and taking on that dreamy, restaurant-style sheen that clings to every noodle.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and use tongs or forks to thoroughly toss it in the sauce. Give it a minute or two over gentle heat so the noodles absorb all those sweet, salty, garlicky flavors. This is the stage where the dish comes together and transforms into pure comfort food.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, shower your noodles with the freshly sliced green onions. Not only do they brighten up the color, but they also bring a crisp, peppery bite that pairs perfectly with the beef and sauce. Dish up your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles while they’re piping hot and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

The classic finish for this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a hefty sprinkle of green onions, but you can absolutely get creative! Try toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, or a few fresh cilantro leaves for herbal brightness. Even a drizzle of toasted sesame oil can dial the aroma up a notch.

Side Dishes

This noodle bowl is a star on its own, but it loves company. For a complete meal, serve alongside some quick-steamed broccoli or snow peas, or add a crisp Asian cucumber salad for cool contrast. A little kimchi or pickled vegetables also provide a zingy, palate-cleansing balance to the dish’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in big family-style bowls for sharing, or portion into individual noodle boxes for a takeout-inspired vibe. For a casual dinner party, top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg or a tangle of microgreens to take things truly over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare event in my house), simply transfer the noodles to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, too! Just let everything cool completely before packing into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. You can also use the microwave, stirring every minute until evenly hot. No matter how you warm it up, that glossy sauce and juicy beef will spring right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use another type of ground meat?

Absolutely! While beef gives that classic flavor punch, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work really well in this recipe. Just note that leaner meats may be a touch less rich, so you might want to add a dash more hoisin or soy sauce.

What other noodles can I use if I don’t have linguine?

Pretty much any long pasta or Asian wheat noodles are great here—think spaghetti, fettuccine, or lo mein noodles. Even rice noodles work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap in gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce and noodles are gluten-free as well. Double check all sauces to be safe, and the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe becomes fully gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?

Want more heat? Double up the red pepper flakes, or add a splash of chili oil or Sriracha to the sauce. You can even garnish with sliced fresh chilies for those who love a little fire at the table.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

If you love prepping ahead, cook the sauce and beef up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Boil and toss the noodles fresh for best texture, then combine and reheat everything just before serving. It’s a guaranteed meal prep win!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe enough for days when you need dinner fast but still want it packed with flavor and comfort. The balance of savory, sweet, garlicky, and just a hint of spice is irresistible—and it’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with those wonderful, welcoming aromas tonight!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful and savory Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that combines tender linguine with flavorful ground beef in a rich and aromatic sauce, garnished with fresh green onions.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic Cook minced garlic with beef until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to blend.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce Make a cornstarch slurry and add to the skillet. Bring to a boil to thicken.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce Add linguine to the skillet and coat with sauce.
Step 7: Finish and Serve Top with green onions and serve hot.

Notes

You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra freshness and nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian