If you are craving a dish that bursts with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors all in a flash, the 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This recipe combines tender noodles with juicy ground beef simmered in a rich soy and brown sugar sauce, enhanced by zingy garlic and fresh ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal without fuss, this dish is simple yet packs authentic flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each bringing its own magic to balance taste, texture, and color. You’ll find they’re pantry-friendly essentials that unite beautifully in this dish.
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein or spaghetti): The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- 1/2 lb ground beef: Adds hearty richness and protein.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami depth.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Offers sweetness that balances the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and deepens the beef flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced: Provides a zesty warmth.
- 1 tsp garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic pungency.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Fresh crunch and color contrast.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to liven things up.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds texture and a beautiful finish.
How to Make 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook your noodles
Start by boiling your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you go for lo mein or spaghetti, the goal is a tender but firm bite that will soak up all the saucy goodness later. Once cooked, drain and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Whisk the sauce mixture
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until perfectly smooth. This simple sauce blend is where the magic begins—sweet, savory, and thickening beautifully to coat those noodles.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart as it browns evenly, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step builds the meaty flavor foundation for your 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Add aromatics
Mix in the minced ginger and garlic with the browned beef and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. These ingredients bring that fresh, fragrant punch that lifts the whole dish, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir constantly as it heats and thickens, which will take about 2 minutes. Watching the sauce come together into a glossy coating is one of those satisfying cooking moments you don’t want to miss.
Step 6: Combine noodles and finish
Toss in the cooked noodles and mix well to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated with the sauce. Add chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a fresh bite and subtle heat, personalized perfectly for your taste buds.
Step 7: Serve hot and garnish
Serve your 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe piping hot, garnished generously with sesame seeds and more green onions if desired. This final touch gives a delightful crunch and burst of color to every bite.
How to Serve 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions are classic garnishes that add texture and brightness. For a twist, you can also sprinkle toasted peanuts or fresh cilantro for added aroma and crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair these noodles with a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or snap peas to add a fresh contrast. You could also serve alongside a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar for a refreshing balance to the rich noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a fried egg for extra indulgence. Or try wrapping the mixture in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option that’s perfect for casual dinners or appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb even more flavor overnight, which makes for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles might soften after thawing. If freezing, keep the sauce separate and combine fresh noodles upon reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the dish moist and prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork work beautifully. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile, but all will pair wonderfully with the Mongolian sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef. The sauce remains just as delicious with these substitutions.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mild by default. You control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking or leaving them out for no spice at all.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Certainly! While lo mein or spaghetti are recommended for their texture, you can substitute with rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. If too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and add gradually, cooking until it thickens.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the ease and flavor explosion you get with the 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve any time you want comfort food that feels like a treat. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and make this speedy, savory dish a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This quick and flavorful 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles recipe combines savory ground beef with tender noodles in a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it features a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic ginger and garlic, all tossed together with green onions and a hint of sesame oil. Garnished with sesame seeds and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined; set this mixture aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced ginger and garlic to the browned beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and well incorporated into the beef.
- Thicken Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes, coating the beef nicely.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and beef mixture. Stir in chopped green onions and, if using, red pepper flakes.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Mongolian noodles hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional green onions for freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use lo mein noodles for an authentic texture, but spaghetti is a suitable substitute if lo mein is unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness of the dish to your preference.
- For added heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
