Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This recipe delivers a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a luscious, slightly sweet and savory sauce that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

While not strictly traditional Mongolian cuisine, this dish draws inspiration from the bold flavors and hearty nature of Mongolian cooking. Think of it as a delicious and accessible interpretation, perfect for busy weeknights. The concept of combining meat, noodles, and a rich sauce is a common thread in many Asian culinary traditions, and this recipe puts a unique and irresistible spin on it.

What makes Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles so incredibly popular? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender ground beef, coated in a delectable sauce, pairs beautifully with the chewy noodles. The slight sweetness is balanced by savory notes of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, creating a symphony of taste that tantalizes the palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Using readily available ingredients and requiring minimal cooking time, this recipe is a lifesaver for those evenings when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will become a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 pound fresh or dried egg noodles
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. I like to use a leaner ground beef to minimize the grease, but any kind will work.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Add the Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s slightly softened. The bell pepper adds a nice sweetness and crunch to the dish.
4. Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated. The hoisin sauce is key for that authentic Mongolian flavor!
5. Simmer the Mixture: Add the beef broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step is important for developing a rich and savory sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens. This usually takes just a minute or two. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the noodles nicely. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s not thick enough, add a little more cornstarch slurry.

Cooking the Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles: While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously! I prefer to cook them al dente, so they have a slight bite to them. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and unappetizing.
2. Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well in a colander. Don’t rinse them unless you’re using a type of noodle that tends to stick together.

Assembling and Serving

1. Combine Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Make sure every strand of noodle gets a good coating of that delicious sauce!
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Mongolian ground beef noodles immediately. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor, and the sesame seeds add a nice nutty crunch.
3. Optional Additions: Feel free to customize this dish to your liking! Some other great additions include:
   • Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the bell pepper for a heartier dish.
   • Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet along with the bell pepper for added nutrients and texture.
   • Carrots: Add shredded carrots to the skillet along with the bell pepper for a touch of sweetness.
   • Water Chestnuts: Add sliced water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
   • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.
4. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will taste. Use fresh ginger and garlic, and choose a good quality soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Be sure to cook it just until it’s browned and no longer pink.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: The sauce is the heart of this dish, so be sure to adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes.
• Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Overcooked noodles can become mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to cook the noodles al dente, so they have a slight bite to them.
• Garnish Generously: The garnish adds a finishing touch to the dish, so don’t be afraid to garnish generously with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free hoisin sauce. You can also use rice noodles instead of egg noodles.

Variations on Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Mongolian Chicken Noodles: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken.
• Mongolian Shrimp Noodles: Substitute the ground beef with shrimp.
• Mongolian Tofu Noodles: Substitute the ground beef with tofu.
• Mongolian Vegetable Noodles: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots.
• Spicy Mongolian Noodles: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.
• Serve as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.
• Pack it for lunch the next day.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60-80 grams

Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or suggestions!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is truly a weeknight winner, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy meal. The rich, savory sauce, perfectly coating the tender ground beef and noodles, creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or simply when you need a comforting and delicious dinner.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, all achieved with readily available ingredients. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up; the instructions are straightforward, and the cooking time is minimal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! While it’s fantastic as is, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking.

* Spice it up! If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha before serving. A dash of chili oil also works wonders.
* Veggie Power: Toss in some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrients and texture. Adding them during the last few minutes of cooking ensures they retain their crispness.
* Protein Boost: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. You can even use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
* Noodle Nirvana: While I love using egg noodles, you can experiment with different types of noodles. Udon noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles would work beautifully.
* Garnish Galore: A sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can also add a creamy tang.
* Make it a Bowl: Serve over a bed of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about creating something delicious and comforting with minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your food and less time in the kitchen. It’s about sharing a flavorful dish with your loved ones and creating memories around the dinner table.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve had a chance to make it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your thoughts, photos, and variations in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!