Effortless Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: 20-Minute Meal
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than our Effortless Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! This 20-minute meal is packed with savory flavors, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a rich, tangy sauce. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this easy recipe will become a new favorite in your household.
ABOUT MONGOLIAN GROUND BEEF:
This Mongolian ground beef and noodle recipe is a family favorite inspired by our trips to P.F. Chang’s. Every time we visited, the kids couldn’t get enough of their delicious noodles and the savory Mongolian beef. It got me thinking: why not bring that restaurant magic home? So, we crafted a kid-friendly version that combines the flavors they love—tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet tangy sauce. It’s become a go-to dish that not only satisfies their taste buds but also brings back those happy memories of dining out together. Seeing them slurp up their noodles with smiles and sticky fingers makes every homemade batch feel like a special occasion.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 8 oz Rice Noodles: These thin, flat noodles are made from rice flour and water, providing a light and delicate texture when cooked.
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Ground beef, typically 80-85% lean, is used for its rich flavor and texture in this dish.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil adds a nutty flavor to the dish and is used for sautéing the beef and aromatics.
- 8 Cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic cloves are minced to impart a pungent, savory flavor to the dish.
- 1 tbsp Ginger (minced): Fresh ginger root is minced to add a warm, spicy-sweet flavor and aroma.
- ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes: These crushed red pepper flakes add a hint of spiciness to balance the sweetness in the sauce.
- ½ Cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium): Low-sodium soy sauce provides a savory, umami-rich base for the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- ¼ Cup Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce contributes a sweet and tangy flavor, enhancing the depth of the sauce.
- 1 Cup Beef Broth: Beef broth adds depth and richness to the sauce, complementing the savory flavors of the dish
- .2 Tsp Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring a glossy and velvety consistency.
- ⅓ Cup Green Onions (diced): Diced green onions are added as a fresh, aromatic garnish to brighten the flavors.
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional): Toasted sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top for added texture and a nutty flavor.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE MONGOLIAN GROUND BEEF?
Time needed: 20 minutes
- Prepare the Noodles:
Begin by cooking 8 ounces of rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are al dente, drain them, rinse with cold water, and set aside. - Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics:
Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 8 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir well. - Create the Sauce:
Add to the skillet the ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, red chili flakes, and ¼ cup of hoisin sauce. Stir to combine. - Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into the beef broth to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. - Add the Slurry to the Ground Beef:
Pour the slurry mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Continue to cook over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble, for about 2-3 minutes. - Mix with Noodles:
Combine Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and the beef is evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. - Finish and Garnish:
Add Green Onions: Stir in ⅓ cup of diced green onions. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if you like.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use other types of noodles like egg noodles or even spaghetti if you prefer. Adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
Rinse the cooked rice noodles under cold water after draining to remove excess starch and prevent them from clumping together.
You can substitute hoisin sauce with oyster sauce mixed with a bit of soy sauce and honey for a similar flavor profile.
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the overall saltiness of the dish, but regular soy sauce can be used with adjustments to taste.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH MONGOLIAN GROUND BEEF?
Mongolian Ground Beef goes really well with a variety of side dishes that perfectly complement its savory-sweet flavors. To complete your meal, consider serving it with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Freshly stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas add both color and texture while providing a nutritious addition to the dish. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinegar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef. For a more indulgent option, you can opt for steamed dumplings or egg rolls on the side. These choices not only enhance the overall meal but also create a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures.
MONGOLIAN BEEF RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free Noodles: Use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat noodles.
- Spice Variation: Add chopped chili peppers or sriracha sauce to spice up the dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in chopped cabbage, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
- Asian Sauce Alternatives: Experiment with hoisin sauce or oyster sauce in place of soy sauce for a different taste.
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil before serving for extra freshness.
- Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty undertone.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER MONGOLIAN BEEF AND NOODLES?
To store your leftover Mongolian ground beef and noodles, start by letting it cool down completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it into a sealed container and pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the easiest way to reheat is either in the microwave or on the stove. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish (a lid or a damp paper towel works well) and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s heated all the way through. On the stove, medium heat is your friend—just add a bit of water or broth to keep things from sticking and to bring back those tasty flavors. Make sure everything gets nice and hot, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and then dig in!
CAN LEFTOVER GROUND BEEF AND NOODLES BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Absolutely! You can definitely freeze your Mongolian ground beef and noodles for later. Just let it cool down completely first. Once it’s cooled, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air to keep it fresh. Label it with the date and pop it in the freezer—it should stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it up in the microwave or on the stove until it’s heated through, making sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. The noodles might change a bit in texture after freezing, but the flavors will still be delicious for your next meal.
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Effortless Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: 20-Minute Meal
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 8 oz Rice Noodles
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 8 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger (minced)
- ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ Cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- ¼ Cup Hoisin Sauce
- 1 Cup Beef Broth
- 2 Tsp Cornstarch
- ⅓ Cup Green Onions (diced)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are al dente, drain them, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 8 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant. Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir well.
- Add to the skillet the ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, red chili flakes, and ¼ cup of hoisin sauce. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into beef broth to create a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Sauce to Beef: Pour the beef broth slurry mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Continue to cook over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix with Noodles: Combine Noodles and Beef: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and the beef is evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Finish and Garnish: Add Green Onions: Stir in ⅓ cup of diced green onions. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the top for an extra crunch.
- Serve: Plate and Enjoy: Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles hot, garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds if you like.