Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 of red pepper flake (optional); 10 oz linguine; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

If you love hearty meals that come together in 30 minutes or less, this one’s for you. The balance of sweet brown sugar, salty soy sauce, and fragrant garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings to every noodle. With a spicy kick option, this recipe is flexible for different taste preferences, making it a go-to for busy nights.

Ingredients

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

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 of red pepper flake (optional for a spicy kick)
10 oz linguine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then stir in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine with Noodles: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the noodles and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 650 per serving

Variations

Spicier Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Switch the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
Use Rice or Rice Noodles: Substitute the linguine with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a gluten-free or different texture option.
Lower-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce salt content.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid freezing as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use spaghetti instead of linguine?

Yes, spaghetti works just as well if you don’t have linguine on hand. Any long pasta will do.

Is this dish very sweet?

The brown sugar adds a mild sweetness, but it balances well with the salty soy sauce and savory beef. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even chopped fresh chili for a spicier version.

What can I serve with Mongolian noodles?

Steamed vegetables, a cucumber salad, or egg rolls make great sides.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your skillet or pot is large enough to handle the increased volume.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

Hoisin sauce adds depth and sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?

Yes, 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger can replace the ground ginger for more vibrant flavor.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Toss the drained noodles with a bit of oil or add them to the sauce immediately after draining.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce, gluten-free hoisin, and rice noodles.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold Asian flavors. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this dish is an easy dinner solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or with a spicy edge, this noodle dish has you covered.