Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and soy. This quick and easy recipe is a delicious twist on classic Mongolian beef, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comforting, Asian-inspired flavors. With just one pan and minimal prep, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (about ½ package) of spaghetti or linguine noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: A quick-cooking protein that absorbs the bold flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar: The classic combination creates the savory-sweet base of the Mongolian-style sauce.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth and an authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness, color, and crunch to the dish.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount enhances the dish with a subtle nutty aroma.
Instructions
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil the Noodles: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
Prepare the Sauce and Beef:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Noodles and Vegetables:
- Add the Noodles: Toss the cooked noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Add Carrots and Green Onions: Stir in the shredded carrots and sliced green onions. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds, additional green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 25g