Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich, umami-packed sauce, all tossed with tender noodles. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground beef
4 tsp minced ginger
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup brown sugar
6 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 (12 oz) box of linguine noodles
4 green onions, diced (for garnish)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

In a medium skillet with high sides, brown the ground beef along with the minced ginger and garlic until the beef is cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Drain any excess fat and return the pan to the stovetop.
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles according to package instructions.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef.
Let the beef and sauce simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
Continue to cook for a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles and beef.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 297
Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 51mg
Sodium: 1396mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
Protein: 22g

The Origins and Inspiration Behind Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

While the name “Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles” might evoke images of traditional Mongolian cuisine, the recipe itself is not one you would find in Mongolia. Instead, this dish draws inspiration from the flavors commonly found in Mongolian-style stir-fries, which have been popularized by Chinese-American restaurants. These dishes typically feature beef, soy-based sauces, and aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and scallions, creating a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

Mongolian beef dishes in general are often characterized by their bold, umami-rich sauces that include soy sauce and hoisin sauce, a fermented soybean paste commonly used in Chinese cooking. These sauces are typically combined with brown sugar, which adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory and salty notes. This recipe takes those elements and combines them with ground beef and noodles for a hearty meal that’s both quick and flavorful.

Why Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a Great Choice for Dinner

Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the main reasons Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is so popular is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike many other stir-fry recipes that require multiple steps and long cooking times, this dish can be ready in just 15 to 20 minutes. The ground beef cooks quickly, and the noodles need only a few minutes to boil, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Affordable and Accessible Ingredients: This recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Ground beef is an affordable protein that cooks quickly, while pantry staples like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar are commonly available in most supermarkets. The addition of linguine noodles (or any other type of long noodles you prefer) makes the dish feel substantial without breaking the bank.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of sweet and savory flavors in the sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying. The ground beef soaks up the rich sauce, adding a depth of flavor to every bite. The noodles provide a comforting base that absorbs the sauce, making it a filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of vegetables or a salad.
Customizable: One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork, depending on your preference or dietary needs. You can also adjust the level of sweetness or spice in the sauce by modifying the amount of brown sugar or red pepper flakes you use. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach is also an easy way to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
Kid-Friendly: The mild flavor profile of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles makes it a great option for children. It’s not overly spicy, and the sweetness from the brown sugar adds a familiar flavor that many kids enjoy. The tender noodles and juicy ground beef are easy to eat, making this a dish that even picky eaters can enjoy.

Nutritional Benefits of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

While this recipe is undeniably delicious, it’s also a balanced meal that provides several key nutrients. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, maintaining a healthy immune system, and keeping the body’s tissues functioning properly. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for overall health.

The sauce made with soy sauce and hoisin sauce is a good source of sodium, so it’s important to use low-sodium versions of these ingredients to help control the sodium content in the dish. The addition of garlic, ginger, and green onions provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The noodles in this recipe provide carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy. By choosing whole-wheat or vegetable-based noodles, you can increase the fiber content of the dish, which helps promote digestive health and keep you feeling full longer.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas for how to make this dish even more enjoyable:

Serve with a Side of Vegetables: Although the recipe doesn’t include many vegetables, you can easily add some to the dish for extra nutrition. Stir-fry some bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli and toss them with the noodles and beef for a more colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can elevate the flavor of the dish and add a burst of freshness. You can also try garnishing with crushed peanuts for added texture or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor.
Pair with a Simple Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a great way to balance out the richness of the noodles. A cucumber and tomato salad or an Asian-inspired cabbage slaw would be perfect complements to this dish.
Add a Side of Rice: If you want to make the meal more filling, you can serve the noodles with a side of steamed rice. This is especially helpful if you have a large group to feed or if you’re looking to stretch the dish further.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Don’t Overcook the Beef: Ground beef cooks quickly, so it’s important to avoid overcooking it. Once it’s browned and cooked through, remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming tough or dry.
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Since soy sauce can be quite salty, it’s a good idea to use a low-sodium version to keep the dish from becoming overly salty. This also helps make the recipe a bit healthier by reducing the sodium content.
Customize the Spice Level: If you like your food with a little more heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. Alternatively, you can reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Make It Ahead of Time: While Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is quick to prepare, you can also make it ahead of time for a future meal. The beef and sauce can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it and toss it with freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Its combination of savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a delicious sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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