This easy Mongolian ground beef noodles dish is a fun mix of brown beef, veggies, and tasty noodles. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
You can whip it up in just one pan! I love how the beef gets all nice and caramelized, plus it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Who doesn’t love a meal that saves time and tastes great? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the base of this dish, but chow mein noodles also work great. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try rice noodles instead!
Ground Beef: Using ground beef adds a nice richness. However, feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein for a lighter dish.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my go-to, but if you’re keeping it gluten-free, use tamari. Coconut aminos can also work as a sweet and soy-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness balances the salty soy sauce. You can swap it out for honey or maple syrup if you prefer something different.
Veggies: Carrots and bell peppers add color and crunch. You can also use broccoli, snap peas, or whatever veggies you have on hand!
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can seem tricky, but it’s all about heat and timing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a preheated pan on medium-high heat. This helps the beef brown nicely.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This allows even browning.
- Drain excess fat after browning if there’s too much; you’ll want enough fat for flavor but not too greasy.
Keep stirring occasionally. This will help prevent the beef from steaming. Once it’s browned and cooked through, you can add in the garlic and ginger for an extra flavor boost!
How to Make Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles or chow mein noodles
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Veggies:
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, and it should take about 20 minutes to cook everything. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
First, cook the wide egg noodles or chow mein noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the beef.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, using a spoon to break it apart, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the skillet, carefully drain it out.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the beef. Stir them in and cook for 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir this mixture until the sugar dissolves.
5. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to simmer and bubble.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Toss in the Noodles and Veggies:
Add the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and optional sliced bell peppers into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the veggies are warmed through.
8. Season and Garnish:
Season your dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your easy Mongolian ground beef noodles immediately. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful crunch of veggies!
Happy cooking! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles or chow mein noodles work best for this recipe, you can substitute with rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be mindful of the cooking times according to the type of noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to add extra heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers. Another great option is to drizzle some sriracha or chili oil on top when serving!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove before adding the noodles and veggies. However, for the best texture, it’s ideal to cook the noodles fresh right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to moisten the noodles.
