You know those nights when you’re exhausted, hungry, and just staring at the fridge hoping something will magically cook itself? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s exactly why this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a total lifesaver.
This dish has everything you could want in a quick meal—juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, tender noodles that soak up all the delicious sauce, and a rich umami-packed flavor that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot. Except, here’s the best part—it takes less than 20 minutes to make from start to finish.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a genius in the kitchen. You throw a few simple ingredients together, and suddenly, you have a steaming bowl of Mongolian Noodles that hits every craving. The best part? It’s healthier, cheaper, and probably faster than ordering delivery.
If you love quick, Asian-inspired meals, check out this Mongolian Chicken recipe for another flavorful weeknight winner.
Why Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Are the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
- Fast and effortless – From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
- Incredibly flavorful – The sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying.
- Healthier than takeout – No preservatives, just clean ingredients.
- Budget-friendly – Uses ground beef instead of pricey flank steak.
- Perfect for families – Kid-approved and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about the combination of beef, noodles, and that rich Mongolian-style sauce. It’s comfort food with an upgrade—simple, yet packed with bold flavors.
- A delicious fusion dish – Think Mongolian Beef meets noodle heaven.
- Great for leftovers – Makes a fantastic lunch the next day.
- Customizable – Use different proteins, add spice, or switch up the noodles.
- No fancy ingredients needed – Everything is easy to find in any grocery store.
If you’re a fan of quick, satisfying meals, you’ll also love this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Main Ingredients
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic for bold, aromatic flavor.
- Ground beef – You can also use ground pork.
- Ground ginger – Either fresh or powdered works well.
- Rice noodles – Lo mein, spaghetti, or soba can also work.
- Coconut aminos – Can be swapped for soy sauce or tamari.
- Hoisin sauce – Adds depth; if unavailable, add extra coconut aminos.
- Arrowroot or tapioca flour – Thickens the sauce; cornstarch is a good alternative.
- Avocado oil – Olive oil can be used instead.
- Beef, chicken, or veggie broth – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Green onions – Only the green parts for fresh flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Cook according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. If they stick together, rinse with cold water and toss with a little oil.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- Hoisin sauce
- Broth
- Arrowroot flour (or cornstarch)
3. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and ginger, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Add the Sauce
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour in the sauce mixture.
- Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
5. Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together.
- Stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
- For extra spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
Tips & FAQs
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
- Flank steak (thinly sliced) for a more traditional Mongolian Beef feel.
- Ground pork adds extra richness and juiciness.
What Kind of Noodles Work Best?
- Rice noodles (traditional)
- Soba, udon, or even spaghetti as substitutes
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
- It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce in advance.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave to loosen the sauce.
How Can I Make It Spicy?
- Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili oil.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you love quick and easy dinner ideas, here are a few more you should check out:
- Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Beef
- Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 8 oz rice noodles or lo mein, spaghetti, or soba noodles
- ¼ cup coconut aminos or soy sauce/tamari
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or chicken/veggie broth
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour or tapioca flour/cornstarch
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 3 stalks green onions sliced (green parts only)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes optional, for spice
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Rinse with cold water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together coconut aminos, hoisin sauce, broth, and arrowroot flour in a small bowl.
- Cook the beef by heating avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and ginger, breaking apart the beef as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Pour in the sauce and stir well. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked noodles, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat and stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and, if desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for spice.
Notes
- Protein Variations: Swap ground beef with flank steak (thinly sliced), ground pork, or chicken.
- Noodle Alternatives: Lo mein, spaghetti, or soba noodles work just as well.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or chili oil for an extra kick.
There’s a reason Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles should be on your weekly dinner rotation. It’s fast, budget-friendly, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you’re craving something savory, need a quick meal after work, or want a new go-to recipe, this one checks all the boxes. And the best part? You’re in total control of the ingredients, so it’s always fresh, flavorful, and made just the way you like it.
Try it tonight and let me know what you think! And if you’re looking for more easy dinner ideas, don’t forget to check out this Mongolian Chicken or Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for even more inspiration.
