Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty and filling dish that brings all the cozy vibes to your dinner table. With flavorful ground beef and soft noodles, it’s a quick and hearty meal!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up! Just cook, mix, and serve. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade without the fuss—plus, it’s great for leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I love using lo mein noodles for their chewy texture, but if they’re not available, spaghetti works just fine! You could even try rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds great flavor, but you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a plant-based version, use lentils or your favorite meat substitute.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish its salty punch. If you’re watching your sodium, go for low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, tamari is a great choice.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness balances the salty soy sauce. If you prefer less sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, or even skip it for a less sweet result.
Sesame Oil: It adds a nutty flavor that’s hard to beat! If you don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil, although you’ll miss out on that distinct taste.
How Do You Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef properly is crucial for making sure it’s tasty and not tough. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Use a large skillet or wok, allowing enough space for the beef to brown evenly.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding the sesame oil. This ensures the beef sears nicely.
- Break apart the beef while it cooks. This helps it brown evenly and cook faster.
- Cook until there’s no pink left, about 5-7 minutes. This ensures it’s safe to eat.
Following these tips will help you achieve tender, flavorful beef that pairs beautifully with the noodles!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (about 225g) noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
- For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, plus around 5-10 minutes to cook the noodles. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside. Make sure not to rinse them, as you want them to keep the starch to help the sauce stick later!
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
3. Adding Flavorful Ingredients:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger into the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until you can smell the wonderful aromas. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
4. Creating the Sauce:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Mix it all well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors can blend and become deliciously combined.
5. Bringing it All Together:
Time to add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture! Gently toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. It should be savory and sweet with just a hint of spice!
6. Serving the Dish:
Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your tasty meal! It’s a wonderful dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While lo mein or spaghetti works best, you can use any noodles you prefer, such as rice noodles, ramen, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want to swap ground beef, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives that will work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or lentils, just ensure to season well to mimic the flavors!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent them from drying out during reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even chop up a fresh chili pepper when cooking the garlic and ginger. Another option is to serve it with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on the side!
