Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
This delicious Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe brings together the rich flavors of tender ground beef in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a satisfying meal that’s great for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin creates a unique taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of hoisin sauce, ginger, and garlic provides a rich and savory taste that elevates the ground beef.
- Versatile Meal: You can easily swap out the noodles or add your favorite vegetables to customize this dish.
- Family-Friendly: With its appealing flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef makes this dish an economical choice without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, gather these essential tools to streamline your preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet is vital for browning the beef evenly without sticking.
- Pot for boiling noodles: A large pot ensures that the noodles cook evenly without clumping together.
- Whisk: A whisk helps to combine the cornstarch with water effectively, creating a smooth slurry.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles:
Main Ingredients
- 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)
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 green onions (sliced)
How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh grated ginger and minced garlic during the last two minutes of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
While the beef cooks, boil water in a pot. Cook the linguine or fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
After draining excess fat from the cooked beef, add brown sugar, low-sodium beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to mix everything together.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the beef mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook until thickened for about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Toss with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything gently to ensure that the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Allow it all to sit for another 2–3 minutes so that the noodles absorb some flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions for serving this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a burst of flavor and color.
- Cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a fresh, aromatic touch.
Pair with a Side Salad
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy salad complements the richness of the noodles.
- Sesame Spinach Salad: This adds a nutty flavor that balances the savory sauce.
Serve with Extra Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce Drizzle: A dash of hoisin on top enhances sweetness.
- Soy Sauce on the Side: Offer soy sauce for those who prefer a saltier taste.
Accompany with Pickled Vegetables
- Pickled Carrots: The tanginess cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Kimchi: Adds heat and complexity to each bite.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
To make your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. They can enhance flavors and improve texture.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for leaner cuts to reduce grease and let flavors shine through.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify red pepper flakes according to your heat preference for a tailored experience.
- Let it Sit Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps noodles absorb flavors better.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Adding bell peppers or broccoli can boost nutrition and color.
- Store Properly for Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds crunch and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Fried Rice: A classic pairing that offers a different texture and flavor profile.
- Spring Rolls: These crispy delights provide a fun contrast to soft noodles.
- Egg Drop Soup: This warm soup is soothing and pairs well with savory dishes.
- Miso Soup: A light miso soup enriches the meal with umami without being heavy.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks infused with garlic can be a delightful addition for dipping into sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can be straightforward, but there are pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using too much oil: Excess oil can make the dish greasy. Opt for a non-stick skillet, which requires less oil.
- Overcooking the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Always follow package instructions and cook until al dente.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Every brand of soy sauce and hoisin varies in saltiness. Always taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step is essential for thickening the sauce. Don’t skip it; whisk well to avoid lumps.
- Neglecting garnishes: Sliced green onions add freshness and flavor. Always garnish your dish before serving for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best if used within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can absolutely substitute ground turkey or chicken, but cooking time may vary slightly.
What can I serve with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
These noodles pair well with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Are Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles spicy?
The spice level is mild. You can increase heat by adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. This dish allows you to enjoy delightful flavors while customizing it to your taste. Whether you prefer extra veggies or a bit more spice, this recipe has room for creativity. Try it today!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining tender ground beef with a sweet and savory hoisin sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also packed with flavor from fresh ginger and garlic. Ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, these noodles are incredibly versatile; you can customize them with your favorite vegetables or substitute different types of meat. With its appealing taste and budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic during the last two minutes.
- While cooking the beef, boil water in a pot and cook the noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and mix in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Whisk cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then stir into the beef mixture. Simmer until thickened (2–3 minutes).
- Toss in cooked noodles and let sit for another 2–3 minutes before serving hot with sliced green onions on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
