Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a delicious, savory, and slightly sweet noodle dish that's bursting with flavor! It combines tender ground beef with a rich sauce, fresh garlic, and a perfect balance of savory and tangy ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something quick and tasty, this recipe is a winner every time.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
8 oz noodles (spaghetti, egg noodles, or any preferred variety)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
First, I cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.
In a large skillet or wok, I heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. I then add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I drain any excess fat once the beef is done.
I add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for another minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. I pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and garlic, stirring everything together.
I bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens up.
Once the sauce is thickened, I add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them to coat in the sauce.
If I like a little heat, I sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and toss everything together again.
Finally, I garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Noodles: You can use any type of noodles you like. While I often use spaghetti or egg noodles, rice noodles or ramen work great too!
Protein: If you prefer chicken, pork, or tofu, feel free to substitute for the ground beef. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Veggies: Add some vegetables to the dish for extra crunch and flavor. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas are great options to stir into the beef mixture.
Spicy: For an extra spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I usually pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen up the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you use.
What kind of noodles should I use for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
I typically use spaghetti or egg noodles, but you can easily swap them out for your favorite noodles like rice noodles, ramen, or even udon noodles.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the ground beef in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy spicy food, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add chili paste or sriracha to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which typically contain gluten. You can use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that comes together in no time. The combination of savory beef, a rich sauce, and tender noodles makes for a comforting meal that I find myself coming back to again and again. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for the whole family, this dish is sure to impress!
Recipe:

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef, savory soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy, this recipe is ideal for busy nights, delivering comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, this meal is great for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
8 oz noodles (spaghetti, egg noodles, or any preferred variety)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
-
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Pour this sauce into the skillet with beef and garlic.
-
Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it thickens.
-
Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
-
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if desired, then toss again.
-
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Noodles: Feel free to swap spaghetti, egg noodles, or ramen for other noodle types like rice noodles or udon.
Protein Substitutes: Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can be used instead of beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spice Level: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for additional texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Noodles
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal