This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a quick and tasty meal! It features savory ground beef, soft noodles, and a mix of colorful veggies, all tossed together in a rich sauce.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and delicious. I love how the noodles soak up all the flavors—seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! I recommend 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken works well, too.
Noodles: While egg noodles are traditional, lo mein or rice noodles are great substitutes. If you’re gluten-free, try using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta options.
Vegetable Oil: A good oil for high-heat cooking. You can also use canola or peanut oil for added flavor. Olive oil isn’t ideal here as it has a lower smoke point.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and savory sauce adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, try soy sauce with a touch of honey or peanut butter for a similar effect!
Vegetables: The carrots and broccoli really add color and crunch! Feel free to swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach for variety.
How Do I Get My Noodles Just Right?
Cooking the noodles correctly is key to a tasty dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Follow the package instructions but check a minute or two early for doneness. You want them al dente—a little firm but not hard.
- Once drained, toss them with a dash of oil to prevent sticking while you finish the beef and veggies.
This way, your noodles won’t clump together, and they’ll soak up all those delicious flavors! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
For the Beef and Vegetables:
- 8 oz ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (white and green parts separated)
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it up. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it out before moving to the next step.
3. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often until the aromatics are fragrant and softened.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
Now, add the shredded carrots and broccoli (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are starting to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the veggies are cooking, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This will be the flavorful sauce for your dish!
6. Combine Everything Together:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top, and gently toss everything together until well coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, remove from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with the green parts of the green onions and garnishing sesame seeds if you like.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! Feel free to adjust the veggies to your liking—this dish is super flexible!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu are great alternatives to ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed, especially for leaner proteins.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, tempeh, or your favorite meat substitute. You can also load up on more veggies for added flavor and nutrition!
What Can I Serve This With?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for an extra side. Enjoy it with a dash of extra soy sauce for added flavor!