Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. This dish combines tender ground beef with a deliciously sweet and savory sauce, making it an irresistible option for family dinners or potlucks. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a plate of flavorful noodles that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will impress your guests.
- Versatile: Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles as a main dish or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet while still being delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this savory noodle dish packed with flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles successfully, you need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the ground beef and helps in glazing the sauce properly.
- Pot for boiling noodles: Using a pot designed for boiling ensures your noodles cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for creating a smooth slurry when combining cornstarch and water.
Ingredients
This quick and tasty dish features tender ground beef coated in a sweet, savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and hoisin flavors. Tossed with noodles for an easy 30-minute meal.
For the Noodles
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
For the Beef Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening the Sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 green onions (sliced)
How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh grated ginger and minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking to infuse their flavors into the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
Meanwhile, cook the linguine or fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Sauce
After draining excess fat from the cooked beef, add brown sugar, low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly to create a rich sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour this mixture into the beef sauce in the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer until thickened, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Noodles to Sauce
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet containing your flavorful beef mixture. Toss everything together to ensure that each noodle is well-coated in that scrumptious sauce. Let it sit for another 2-3 minutes so that the noodles can absorb more flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your delicious Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions for an extra pop of freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some extra flair, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Casual Family Style
- Serve the noodles straight from the skillet for a relaxed family dinner. This allows everyone to help themselves.
With Extra Toppings
- Add sliced peppered vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for color and crunch. This provides a fresh contrast to the savory noodles.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Divide the noodles into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. They reheat well and maintain their flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top with freshly chopped cilantro or basil for an aromatic finish. This elevates the dish and adds a burst of freshness.
Accompanied by Crispy Wontons
- Serve alongside crispy wontons for added texture. These can be store-bought or homemade, perfect for dipping into sauce.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Perfecting Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will give the best flavor. Avoid jarred versions for optimal taste.
- Brown the beef properly: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients. This enhances its flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly. You can always add more later if needed.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the noodles to sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This helps them soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Experiment with heat: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. A little can go a long way!
- Use high-quality soy sauce: Choosing a good soy sauce enhances the overall taste of your dish significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Pairing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles with complementary side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and balances out the richness of the noodles.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing offers a crisp contrast to warm noodles.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls stuffed with veggies or meat provide an excellent crunchy side that pairs well.
- Fried Rice: A side of fried rice complements the flavors of Mongolian noodles while adding variety to your meal.
- Sesame Green Beans: Tossed in sesame oil, these green beans make a flavorful and healthy addition.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a light starter, perfect before diving into hearty noodles.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies can cleanse the palate between bites of rich beef noodles.
- Asian Slaw: A vibrant slaw with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings color and crunch to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Using low-quality beef: Low-quality ground beef can lead to a greasy texture. Opt for lean ground beef for the best results.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente.
- Ignoring the sauce balance: Skipping ingredients like hoisin or soy sauce can ruin the flavor. Each component adds depth, so don’t leave them out!
- Not letting flavors meld: Rushing to serve without letting the noodles soak in the sauce can lead to blandness. Allow them a few minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- Skipping garnishes: Not adding sliced green onions for garnish misses an opportunity for added freshness and crunch. Always finish with garnishes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of broth or water to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries about Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
What noodles work best for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
Linguine or fettuccine are ideal, but any Asian-style noodle works well too.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights. Its sweet and savory flavors are sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender ground beef with a harmonious blend of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce, all tossed with al dente noodles. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a gourmet meal that delights the entire family. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with fresh vegetables, these savory noodles are sure to impress at any dinner table or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic for the last 2 minutes.
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Mix in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes with the beef.
- Whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry; add it to the skillet and simmer until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
- Toss cooked noodles into the skillet, ensuring they're coated in sauce; let sit for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
