Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced; 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, savory, and satisfying dish that brings the bold flavors of takeout right to my kitchen. It features tender noodles tossed with seasoned ground beef in a rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, with garlic, ginger, and green onions adding layers of depth. It’s the kind of comfort food I crave on a busy weeknight—ready fast and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes everything I enjoy about Mongolian beef and makes it faster and more affordable using ground beef. There’s no marinating, no complicated steps—just one pan and a few simple ingredients. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, and the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Water
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions, sliced
Noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

I start by cooking the noodles according to the package directions, then draining and setting them aside.
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, I heat vegetable oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully cooked, I drain any excess fat, then add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I mix soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
I pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened and glossy.
I stir in the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated.
I drizzle in a little sesame oil and toss again before removing from the heat.
Finally, I garnish with green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes around 25 minutes from start to finish—just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken when I want something lighter. I’ve also added steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra veggies. If I want to make it gluten-free, I use tamari instead of soy sauce and serve it over rice noodles or rice. For a spicier version, I add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen things up. The microwave works too—I heat in 30-second intervals and stir in between to make sure everything warms evenly. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the noodles can become mushy, but the beef and sauce freeze well if kept separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, I’ve used spaghetti, udon, ramen, and lo mein noodles—they all work great. I just use whatever I have on hand.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes, chili oil, or hot sauce to taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

I’ve made it meatless by swapping in plant-based ground “beef” or crumbled tofu—it still tastes great with the same sauce and noodles.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

After draining, I toss the noodles with a bit of oil if they’re sitting for a while. Once I mix them into the sauce, they loosen up nicely.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. I just make sure to use a large enough pan or work in batches when doubling to ensure even cooking and saucing.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I want something fast, filling, and flavorful. It brings the comfort of takeout to my table with simple ingredients and bold flavor. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish always delivers.