Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian / Mongolian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium optional); 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 10 oz linguine (or spaghetti, rice noodles for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 4 green onions, sliced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it combines the rich flavors of Mongolian cuisine with the convenience of a one-pan sauce and noodles. The balanced sweetness from brown sugar and hoisin sauce pairs perfectly with savory soy and beef broth, while ginger and garlic add warmth. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and customizable for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium optional)
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
10 oz linguine (or spaghetti, rice noodles for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then reduce heat to medium.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth, then add to skillet. Simmer gently until sauce thickens.
Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.

Variations

Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Swap linguine for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Add vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
Increase spice with more red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Serve the beef mixture over steamed rice instead of noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or molasses for sweetness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, make the sauce and beef mixture in advance and toss with freshly cooked noodles before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

Mild by default; adjust red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing may affect noodle texture; best to freeze sauce separately if desired.

What kind of noodles work best?

Long noodles like linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles work well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Add them to the skillet after browning the beef and before adding liquids.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

Use arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce by simmering longer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar and hoisin sauce to taste.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles offer a quick, flavorful meal combining sweet, savory, and spicy notes with tender noodles and ground beef. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, this dish is perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or when you need a comforting, delicious meal fast.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Quick and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles feature tender noodles and flavorful ground beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and boiling
Cuisine: Asian / Mongolian-inspired
Diet: Low Fat

Instructions

Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and reduce heat to medium.
Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; mix well.
Whisk cornstarch and water until smooth; add to skillet. Simmer gently until sauce thickens.
Add cooked linguine to skillet; toss to coat. Simmer 2–3 minutes for flavors to meld.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.