Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty and easy dish to whip up. With yummy ingredients like ground beef, fresh veggies, and flavorful noodles, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s fun to mix everything together. I love making it when I’m busy because it comes together in no time and tastes amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Egg noodles bring a nice texture, but if they’re not available, spaghetti works just as well! For a gluten-free option, you can use rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
Ground Beef: I suggest using lean ground beef for a healthier choice. You can also substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—use about 1/8 teaspoon for every clove.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute if you’re watching salt intake. Coconut aminos also works well for a soy-free option.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier alternative, consider maple syrup or honey in equal amounts. It adds sweetness with a different flavor profile!
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Browned?
Getting the ground beef browned nicely is key for flavor. Start your skillet on medium-high heat, and make sure to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Let the beef sit undisturbed for the first few minutes for a good browning, then start stirring.
- Tip: If your beef releases too much fat, you can drain some off before adding the garlic and onions.
Why Is It Important to Simmer the Sauce?
Simmering the sauce for a few minutes is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together. After mixing the sauce into the beef, let it cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. This allows the brown sugar to dissolve completely, turning the sauce slightly syrupy and rich.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- This step not only enhances flavor but helps coat the noodles beautifully when you add them!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or spaghetti
- Water (for boiling noodles)
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Additional green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time boiling the noodles and browning the beef, followed by mixing everything together for a yummy meal that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the egg noodles or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set aside. This will give your dish a great base!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. It’s smelling good already!
3. Add Garlic and Green Onions:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced green onions with the beef in the skillet. Cook everything together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This will add a delicious aroma to your dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. This will be the flavorful sauce that brings everything together!
5. Combine Sauce and Beef:
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and stir everything to combine well. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This step is crucial for tasty flavor.
6. Mix in the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them gently to coat them with the beef mixture. Cook everything for an additional minute just to heat through. Give it a good stir to ensure every noodle is coated!
7. Season and Serve:
Taste your delicious noodles and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the noodles hot, garnished with additional green onions and sesame seeds for that pretty finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles or spaghetti work great, you can also use rice noodles, udon, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian alternative, consider using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground beef substitute. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats may need less time in the skillet to avoid drying out.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Mongolian ground beef noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or warm them up on the stove with a splash of water to prevent sticking.
