Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

This easy-to-make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors combined with tender noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick dinners or when you’re craving a good meal without the hassle of takeout.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Beef Mixture
• For the Noodles
• For Thickening
• For Garnish
• How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
• Step 2: Cook the Pasta
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
• Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Garnish Ideas
• Side Options
• Serving Style
• How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I customize Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
• Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
• Is there a gluten-free version of Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
• How spicy is Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
• What type of noodles work best?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of ground beef, ginger, garlic, and sauces creates a rich, savory flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste preferences easily.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use any noodles you have on hand—linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home without the high price tag.

Tools and Preparation

To make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for browning the ground beef and combining all ingredients efficiently.
• Pot for boiling noodles: Ensures even cooking of the noodles while allowing you to prepare the sauce simultaneously.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup brown sugar (reduce to ⅓ or ¼ cup for less sweetness)
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce (low-sodium, if available)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Noodles

• 10 ounces noodles (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

For Thickening

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• 4 medium green onions, sliced

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How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet with high sides, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
– Add the minced ginger and garlic during the last 2 minutes of browning.
– Break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the ground beef is cooking:
– Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
– Do not salt the pasta water since the sauce is already salty.
– Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

After browning:
– Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef and return it to the skillet.
– Add soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Stir to combine well.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl:
– Dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry.
– Add this slurry to your skillet and stir well.
– Bring to a low boil until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Add cooked and drained noodles to your beef mixture:
– Stir thoroughly to coat all noodles with sauce.
– Let them sit briefly in the sauce to absorb flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. Enjoy this delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors!

How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enhance your meal by serving it with various accompaniments or garnishes that complement the dish’s rich flavors.

Garnish Ideas

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to every bite.
• Chili Oil: Drizzle chili oil for an extra kick of spice.

Side Options

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots work well to add color and nutrition.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make for a delightful crunchy contrast.
• Egg Rolls: Traditional egg rolls filled with veggies and protein complement the noodles perfectly.

Serving Style

• Family Style: Serve the Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles in a large bowl for everyone to share.
• Individual Bowls: Portion out servings in individual bowls, garnished for each guest.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

To make your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles truly outstanding, keep these tips in mind. Each step will elevate your dish and ensure maximum flavor and satisfaction.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives.
• Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness; less is often more!
• Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms adds texture and boosts nutrition.
• Allow Flavors to Meld: Letting the noodles sit in the sauce for a few minutes enhances their flavor absorption.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and taste.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Pairing side dishes with your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this savory meal.

1. Fried Rice: A classic side that adds richness; use leftover rice for quick preparation.
2. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that helps balance the noodles’ flavors and adds crunch.
3. Miso Soup: Light and savory, miso soup makes a comforting addition to the meal.
4. Pickled Vegetables: These provide a tangy contrast that’s refreshing alongside the noodles.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks infused with garlic complement the dish nicely.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings an extra layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it tough. Brown it until it’s just cooked through for a tender texture.
• Ignoring Pasta Instructions: Not following the pasta package instructions can lead to mushy noodles. Always cook according to the recommended time for perfect texture.
• Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Adding too much soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Measure carefully and adjust based on your taste preference.
• Not Letting Noodles Sit in Sauce: Skipping the resting time lets flavor escape. Allow the noodles to sit in the sauce for a few minutes for better taste absorption.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using old or dried-out ginger and garlic can diminish flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for a vibrant dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?

You can add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or adjust sweetness by altering brown sugar levels.

Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Is there a gluten-free version of Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

How spicy is Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether for a milder dish.

What type of noodles work best?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are ideal choices but feel free to try your favorite noodle type!

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are not only quick and easy but also bursting with delicious flavors that beat takeout any day! This versatile recipe allows for various customizations to suit your preferences—whether you’re looking to add veggies or adjust sweetness. Give it a try tonight!

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