Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of ground beef and noodles, all tossed together in a simple sauce. It’s quick to make and full of flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
If you’re like me, you might find yourself doubling the recipe because they disappear fast! 🍜 Serve it with some veggies for a colorful plate, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: I love using egg noodles for their texture and flavor. You can easily swap them out for spaghetti or even rice noodles if you prefer. Just remember, cooking times may vary based on your pasta choice.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is great in this dish for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can work well too. For a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils or a plant-based ground product.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can substitute in a pinch, but start with less since it’s more concentrated.
Sauces: Soy sauce is a must for that savory kick. If you’re watching sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good substitute. Hoisin sauce brings sweetness, but you can use teriyaki sauce or even a bit of ketchup if you have to. Oyster sauce adds depth, but it’s fine to skip it if you don’t have any.
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Browned?
Browning the beef properly enhances its flavor and gives a nice texture to the dish. Here’s what I do:
- Start with a hot skillet; this prevents the meat from steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, brown the beef in batches for the best results.
- Let it cook without stirring too much for the first few minutes to develop that brown crust.
- Look for an even brown color; this usually takes 5-7 minutes.
Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dish balanced and not too greasy!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and cook! It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them well and set them aside for later. This is the base of your dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, drizzle in some vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it’s nicely browned—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat left in the pan, feel free to drain it away.
3. Add Aromatics:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Toss in the minced garlic and the white parts of the chopped green onions into the skillet. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until you can smell the lovely aromas filling your kitchen.
4. Combine Sauces:
In this step, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, optional oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Give it a good mix to combine all those wonderful flavors together.
5. Mix in Noodles:
Next, add those drained noodles to your skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and ground beef mixture. Keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and delightful.
6. Season:
Time to season! Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your love for spice!
7. Serve:
Remove from the heat and plate your delicious noodles. Garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Can I Substitute the Egg Noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate sliced fresh chilies into the mix. You can also drizzle some sriracha or chili oil just before serving for an extra kick!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and to keep it moist.
What Can I Use Instead of Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to mimic the sweet and savory flavors. Another option is to use teriyaki sauce, though the flavor will vary slightly!
