15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Sizzling Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for Quick Dinners

Whipping up delectable fifteen-minute mongolian ground beef noodles can be a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.

Packed with savory flavors, this dish promises a quick culinary adventure that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Slicing through traditional recipe constraints, these noodles blend Asian-inspired zest with convenience.

Pantry staples dance together, creating a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and exciting.

Rich umami notes weave through tender beef and springy noodles, making each bite a delightful experience.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this streamlined meal that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavor components in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe?

The key flavors come from a combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth, which create a sweet and savory balance with hints of umami and depth.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase heat according to your preference.

  • Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other pasta types like spaghetti, rice noodles, or egg noodles that will work well with the sauce.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or watery?

Use the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to help thicken the sauce and create a glossy, clingy texture that coats the noodles and beef perfectly.

Why Mongolian Beef Noodles Are So Quick

  • Quick and Effortless Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal in just a quarter of an hour with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner cravings.
  • Flavor-Packed Punch: Combine sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements through a perfect blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin, and optional red pepper flakes that create an irresistible taste explosion.
  • Versatile Weeknight Dish: Easily customizable dish that appeals to both adults and kids, allowing you to adjust spice levels and swap ingredients based on your family's preferences while delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Use affordable ground beef and pantry staples to create a hearty, satisfying meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste or nutrition.

What’s in Mongolian Beef Noodles

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Lean meat perfect for a quick and hearty meal.
  • Linguine Noodles: Classic pasta with smooth texture.
Sauce Components:
  • Brown Sugar: Sweet element for balanced flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Rich umami liquid for depth.
  • Beef Broth: Savory liquid enhancing overall taste.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Thick Chinese-style sauce with sweet and tangy profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Fresh aromatic ingredient for bold taste.
  • Ginger: Warm spice adding subtle heat.
  • Black Pepper: Classic seasoning with mild spiciness.
Aromatics and Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh topping with mild onion flavor.
Binding and Optional Heat:
  • Cornstarch: Thickening agent for smooth sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy addition for extra kick.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Water: For boiling pasta.
  • Cold Water: For dissolving cornstarch.

How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles Fast

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop linguine into a large pot of salted boiling water.

Cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it into small crumbles while cooking.

Continue until meat turns completely brown with no pink remaining.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Develop Aromatic Base

Sprinkle minced garlic into the beef.

Stir and cook for one minute to release its fragrant oils and enhance overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Signature Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients in the skillet:
  • Brown sugar
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Ground ginger
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

Whisk cornstarch with cold water in a separate small bowl until completely dissolved.

Pour mixture into skillet, stirring constantly until sauce becomes thick and starts bubbling.

Step 6: Marry Noodles and Beef

Add drained linguine directly into the skillet.

Toss gently to ensure every noodle gets coated with the savory sauce and beef mixture.

Allow mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes to deepen flavor integration.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions across the top.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately.

Tips for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Remove excess fat after cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding a pinch for mild warmth or more for a fiery kick.
  • Dissolve cornstarch in cold water before adding to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats noodles perfectly.
  • Let noodles sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb maximum flavor and allow ingredients to meld together deliciously.
  • Prepare sauce components in advance and store separately, combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Reheat Mongolian Beef Noodles Easily

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Pairings for Mongolian Beef Noodles

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the savory soy sauce and balances the beef's richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Bold Asian Beer Companion: Choose a light Asian lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, which cuts through the dish's richness and refreshes the palate with its crisp, clean taste.
  • Crunchy Asian Slaw Side: Prepare a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty noodle dish.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish on the side to provide a bright, acidic counterpoint that lightens the meal's intensity.

New Takes on Mongolian Beef Noodles

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives, maintaining the same delicious sauce and cooking method.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute linguine with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta, and replace soy sauce with tamari to create a completely gluten-free version of the dish.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory flavor profile of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Version: Add gochujang or sriracha sauce to the existing sauce mixture, increasing heat and introducing a Korean flavor dimension to the Mongolian-style noodles.
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15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Speedy 15 minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles deliver bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable ease. Savory beef, silky noodles, and zesty sauce combine for a quick dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 10 ounces (10 oz) linguine

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Sauces and Thickeners:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generous pot of salted water and cook linguine until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove and set linguine aside after draining.
  2. Heat a spacious skillet over robust medium-high temperature.
  3. Sear ground beef, methodically crumbling with a spatula until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes. Eliminate excess grease.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the meat, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute.
  5. Craft a vibrant sauce by integrating brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
  6. Create a cornstarch slurry by dissolving cornstarch in cold water, then pour into the skillet. Continuously stir until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
  7. Gently incorporate drained linguine into the skillet, ensuring every strand becomes lavishly coated with the savory beef and sauce mixture.
  8. Allow the noodles to rest momentarily, absorbing the rich flavors for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions, presenting a stunning and aromatic Mongolian ground beef noodle dish ready to be devoured.

Notes

  • Swap linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for dietary preferences without compromising taste and texture.
  • Reduce brown sugar by half for a less sweet version or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles.
  • Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly as lean protein substitutes, maintaining the dish’s savory essence.
  • Create a meal prep-friendly version by cooking beef and sauce separately, storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days, and quickly reheating with fresh noodles when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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