Are you searching for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that will become an instant family favorite? Look no further than these incredible Mongolian ground beef noodles! This recipe transforms humble ground beef and linguine into a delicious, satisfying dish in just 15 minutes. Its simplicity and speed make it perfect for busy evenings, offering a delightful sweet-savory profile that everyone will adore.
Why You’ll Love These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
You will reach for this easy recipe again and again. It truly embodies quick satisfaction.
- Quick & Easy: Get dinner on the table in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the comforting, rich flavors of this dish.
- Pantry-Friendly: You likely have most ingredients on hand for these savory ground beef noodles.
- Flavorful: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice in every bite.
- Versatile: Easily customize this recipe with different proteins or added vegetables.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make these delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles tonight. Each item plays a vital role in creating the signature flavor profile.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 4 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 12 ounce box of Linguine Noodles
- 4 green onions, diced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Did you know that hoisin sauce, a staple in Cantonese cuisine, is traditionally made with fermented soybean paste and is often referred to by a name meaning ‘seafood’ despite containing no seafood ingredients? Learn more about the history and ingredients of hoisin sauce.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this Mongolian beef pasta to fit your preferences or what you have available.
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Noodles: Ramen, spaghetti, or even rice noodles work beautifully in this recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari to make this dish a gluten-free meal.
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar.
- Hoisin: Oyster sauce or teriyaki offer different, yet tasty, flavor profiles.
- Spice: Adjust red pepper flakes or add sriracha for more heat.
- Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen stir-fry veggies during the last few minutes.
- The pasta starch naturally thickens the sauce, so no cornstarch is needed for these ground beef noodles.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare these fantastic Mongolian ground beef noodles. These items ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Large skillet (with high sides)
- Large pot (for cooking noodles)
- Wooden spoon
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Prepare these quick Mongolian ground beef noodles by following these straightforward steps. You will have a family-pleasing meal ready in no time.
- In a medium skillet with high sides on the stovetop, brown the ground beef along with the ginger and garlic until the beef is cooked through. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the meat thoroughly. Drain any excess fat and return the pan to the stovetop.
- While the ground beef cooks, start a large pot of water for your pasta noodles. Be sure to salt the water well; this ensures your noodles absorb flavor as they cook.
- Combine the remaining sauce ingredients in a small dish: the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and hoisin sauce. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Pour this flavorful sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about three minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the rich flavors from the sauce.
- Once your pasta is done cooking, transfer the noodles directly to the skillet with the mongolian ground beef mixture.
- Toss the noodles thoroughly with the ground beef and sauce, ensuring every strand is well coated. Allow them to cook together for a couple more minutes, which helps the sauce thicken slightly.
- Top generously with diced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for the perfect noodle dish!
- Serve your delightful Mongolian ground beef noodles immediately and enjoy.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your Mongolian ground beef noodles with these expert tips. They help ensure a perfect dish every time.
- Fresh Aromatics: Always use fresh ginger and garlic for the best, most vibrant flavor. Incorporating fresh ginger and garlic offers more than just flavor; these ingredients also provide impressive health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Brown the beef in batches if your skillet is too small to ensure even cooking.
- Salt Pasta Water: Properly salting your pasta water seasons the noodles from within.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Cook your linguine al dente, as it finishes cooking in the sauce.
- Adjust Spice: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to match your desired level of heat.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds; they add freshness and texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile Mongolian ground beef noodles pair wonderfully with many sides. You can also easily store and reheat leftovers, or try exciting variations.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these savory noodles with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Offer them alongside a bowl of fluffy steamed rice to soak up extra sauce.
- Pair the dish with homemade honey wheat bread for a comforting meal.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover Mongolian ground beef noodles in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3-4 days for quick meals.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Add a splash of beef broth or water if the noodles appear dry during reheating.
Variations
- Spicy: Amp up the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a drizzle of chili oil.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in cooked broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground for the beef.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure a gluten-free meal by using tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Nutrition
These Mongolian ground beef noodles offer a satisfying balance of nutrients. They provide quick energy and ample protein.
This recipe yields 8 servings. Each serving contributes to a balanced meal. Please note the sodium content and adjust for specific dietary needs.
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yield | 8 |
| Serving Size | 1 |
| Calories | 297 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 51mg |
| Sodium | 1396mg |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 22g |
FAQ
You have questions about these delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles, and we have answers!
- Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, ramen, spaghetti, or even wide rice noodles work very well for this recipe.
- Is this recipe very spicy? It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes; you can easily adjust the amount to your taste.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely, use tamari in place of soy sauce and select your favorite gluten-free noodles.
- What vegetables can I add? Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas are excellent additions.
- How long do leftovers last? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This easy 15-minute Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe truly delivers on its promise of a quick, simple, and incredibly delicious meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a sweet and savory flavor that makes it a true family favorite. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new go-to meal. We encourage you to share your experience with these fantastic Mongolian ground beef noodles in the comments below!
Easy 15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef with ginger and garlic until cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon; then drain any fat.
- While the beef cooks, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil for the pasta noodles.
- In a small dish, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, pepper, and hoisin sauce, then pour this mixture into the ground beef.
- Allow the sauce and beef to saute for about 3 minutes, ensuring the ground beef absorbs all the flavors.
- Once cooked, transfer the pasta noodles to the ground beef mixture, mix thoroughly, and cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the dish topped with diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish.