If you are craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and effortless charm, the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe brings together tender ground beef coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce paired perfectly with chewy udon noodles, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. It’s straightforward, fast, and absolutely delicious, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal without fuss. Plus, this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe manages to feel special enough for guests but stays so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe uses a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building the dish’s rich, layered flavor profile. From the boldness of soy sauce to the warmth of ginger and the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, every component adds a splash of color, texture, or taste that turns simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing protein and savory depth.
- 10 ounces udon noodles: Thick and chewy noodles perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic pungency and a slight bite.
- ½ cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that brings a rich umami taste.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- ¼ cup beef broth: Deepens the beef flavor and tenderizes the mixture.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Offers a subtle sweetness with complexity that complements the other sauces.
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger: Infuses a fresh, zesty kick for warmth and brightness.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat that livens up the flavors if you like some spice.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce for a luscious, glossy finish.
- ¼ cup water: Combined with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles
Start by cooking your udon noodles according to the package instructions. These thick noodles are wonderfully hearty and provide the perfect canvas for all those rich flavors to cling to. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside. This step preps your base and ensures your noodles are tender but still have a bouncy chew.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Garlic
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it until it’s mostly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for even texture. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about one minute—this bursts out the garlicky aroma that instantly makes the kitchen smell irresistible. Be sure to drain off any excess fat so the sauce stays glossy and not greasy.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce
While the beef is cooking, whisk together your soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and optional red pepper flakes. This vibrant sauce is where the magic happens, combining the salty, sweet, and spicy notes that give the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe its signature personality.
Step 4: Combine the Beef with the Sauce
Pour the freshly whisked sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring well to coat every morsel. Let the mixture simmer briefly so the beef finishes cooking while soaking up those incredible flavors, making every bite rich and deeply savory.
Step 5: Add and Toss the Noodles
Now, return the cooked udon noodles to the pan. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so the noodles are completely coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce, ensuring a perfect balance of meat and noodles in every forkful.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then pour it over the skillet’s contents. Keep stirring this mixture as it cooks to let the sauce thicken beautifully. This step is essential for transforming the dish from just saucy to decadently glossy and clingy, elevating the texture of those noodles and beef.
Step 7: Serve It Fresh and Hot
Once the sauce is thick and luscious, remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve this wonderful Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe immediately. The vibrant colors and irresistible aroma will have everyone at the table digging in eagerly.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can brighten and freshen up the dish, giving it an extra pop. Try sprinkling thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro for color and a touch of herbal freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad to add crispness and balance the rich flavors. Light vegetable dishes or a spicy kimchi can also provide a contrasting texture and a dose of freshness alongside the hearty noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more upscale presentation, serve the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe in individual bowls garnished with microgreens and a wedge of lime for a citrusy zing. Alternatively, place a mound of noodles topped with the beef mixture onto plates and drizzle extra sauce artistically around the edges. These touches turn a humble meal into a dish Instagram-worthy enough to impress your friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more as it rests, making leftovers a tempting next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well too. Separate into portions and place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing any excess air. When stored properly, it can last up to 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the thickened sauce to return it to its original silky consistency. You can also microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel for quick, easy reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles instead of udon?
Absolutely! While udon noodles add that classic chewiness, you can swap in spaghetti, rice noodles, or even lo mein noodles depending on what you have handy. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth to keep the umami flavors intact.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but you can control the heat by adding more or leaving them out altogether. It’s very adaptable to your spice preference.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and use gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or gluten-free udon. Check your hoisin sauce brand as well, since some contain gluten.
What makes this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe different from traditional Mongolian beef?
This recipe uses ground beef and udon noodles instead of sliced flank steak and rice, making it quicker and easier to prepare without compromising on the rich, savory-sweet Mongolian flavors you love.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a busy cook looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a food lover wanting something hearty with a touch of Asian-inspired flair, the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe is here to delight. Its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, combined with that satisfying noodle and beef combo, makes it an irresistible dish worth making time and again. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to favorites in no time.
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef with udon noodles in a savory-sweet sauce enhanced with garlic, ginger, and hoisin. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces udon noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Thickening Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook 10 ounces of udon noodles according to the package directions until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 pound of lean ground beef. Cook until mostly browned, then add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare Sauce: While the beef is cooking, whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ground beef and continue cooking to let the beef finish cooking in the sauce, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Noodles: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the skillet contents and cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles and beef.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Mongolian ground beef and noodles immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute udon noodles with rice noodles or spaghetti if unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
