Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A 30-Minute Asian-Inspired Dinner

If you’re craving bold, savory takeout-style noodles but want something fast, affordable, and homemade, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are your answer. This one-pan meal is packed with sweet-salty garlic ginger sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly coated noodles — all ready in under 30 minutes.

It’s a weeknight dinner dream: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and huge flavor. Plus, it’s family-friendly, customizable, and reheats like a dream. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or want a satisfying Asian-inspired dish, these noodles hit the spot every time.

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Why You’ll Love These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

🥢 Quick and easy — ready in 30 minutes
🍜 Hearty and satisfying with noodles and protein
💰 Budget-friendly ground beef dinner
🧄 Flavor-packed garlic soy Mongolian sauce
🌶️ Customizable spice level and veggie add-ins
🍽️ Perfect for leftovers or meal prep

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What Are Mongolian Noodles?

This dish is inspired by the flavors of Mongolian beef, a classic Chinese-American restaurant favorite known for its sweet and savory soy-based sauce. Instead of using slices of flank steak, this recipe swaps in ground beef for affordability and ease — then tosses it with noodles for a hearty, comforting dish.

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Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Here’s everything you need:

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean works well)
• 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2–3 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable)

Optional add-ins: shredded carrots, baby spinach, snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli

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How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

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Step 1: Cook the Noodles

• Cook your noodles according to package instructions
• Drain and set aside
• Drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking

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Step 2: Make the Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Hoisin sauce (if using)
  • Sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes
• In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry — set aside

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Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

• Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes
• Drain excess fat if needed
• Add garlic, ginger, and green onions
• Cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant

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Step 4: Add Sauce and Thicken

• Pour in the sauce mixture
• Stir and bring to a simmer
• Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef

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Step 5: Toss in Noodles

• Add cooked noodles to the pan
• Toss everything together until noodles are fully coated in sauce
• Taste and adjust with soy sauce or red pepper flakes as needed

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Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Top with extra green onions and sesame seeds
• Serve hot and enjoy!

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What Noodles Work Best?

You can use just about any noodles for this recipe:

🍜 Lo mein or yakisoba — classic for stir-fry texture
🍝 Spaghetti — great pantry-friendly substitute
🍜 Ramen (no seasoning packet) — quick and budget-friendly
🧡 Rice noodles or udon — gluten-free or chewy alternative

Avoid overcooking the noodles — they’ll soak up sauce quickly and become mushy if too soft.

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Variations & Add-Ins

🌶️ Spicy – Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the beef
🥦 Veggie-loaded – Toss in broccoli, cabbage, carrots, or bell peppers
🍗 Different protein – Use ground turkey, pork, chicken, or even tofu
🥚 Egg drop style – Stir in a whisked egg at the end for richness
🌱 Vegan version – Use plant-based ground and vegan noodles

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Storage & Reheating

🧊 Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

❄️ Freezer:

• Freeze cooked noodles + beef for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating

🔥 To Reheat:

• Microwave in 30-second intervals with a splash of water
• Or reheat on stovetop with a bit of oil or broth

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Serving Suggestions

🥬 Serve with:

• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Stir-fried bok choy or cabbage
• Egg rolls or dumplings
• Fried egg on top
• Cucumber salad or kimchi on the side

🍽️ Or turn it into:

• Lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves
• A noodle bowl with extra veggies and a fried egg

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Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g

Will vary depending on noodles and veggies used.

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FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Can I use rice instead of noodles?

Yes! Serve the Mongolian ground beef over jasmine or basmati rice for a delicious bowl.

What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can skip it or use oyster sauce, teriyaki, or a mix of extra brown sugar + a splash of vinegar.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly — adjust red pepper flakes to your taste, or omit entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Can I use pre-minced garlic or ginger?

Yes, though fresh gives better flavor. If using jarred, reduce the amount slightly.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ One-pan meal — fewer dishes, less cleanup
✅ Quick and accessible — uses pantry staples
✅ Big flavor payoff — thanks to the savory-sweet Mongolian sauce
✅ Flexible ingredients — perfect for using up ground meat and leftover noodles
✅ Family-approved — satisfying, comforting, and easy to customize

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Final Thoughts: A Better-Than-Takeout Dinner in 30 Minutes

If you’re looking for a new go-to weeknight meal, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles check all the boxes: quick, comforting, budget-friendly, and absolutely loaded with flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy to whip up when the fridge is low or the schedule is packed — but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Pair it with your favorite veggies or side dish and enjoy a homemade takeout-style meal any night of the week. One pan. One bowl. Zero leftovers.

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