Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Flavorful: A savory-sweet Mongolian sauce coats tender noodles and ground beef.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples for an affordable homemade meal.
Customizable: Swap out the protein, adjust the spice level, or add veggies to suit your taste.
Better Than Takeout: Enjoy a homemade version of an Asian-inspired dish with full control over ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (lean for a lighter dish)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
10 oz linguine (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water (to dissolve cornstarch)
4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Drain any excess fat and reduce heat to medium.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Stir well to combine and let simmer for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir continuously.
Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat in the sauce.
Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Different Noodles: Try egg noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra texture and nutrition.
Extra Heat: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even egg noodles work well in this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then cook fresh pasta before serving.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and swap the linguine for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.

Can I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with steamed vegetables, a cucumber salad, or jasmine rice.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with rich, savory-sweet flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for later, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade takeout-inspired meal!