Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

You know those nights when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, but you also don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen? That’s where Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles come to the rescue. This dish is the ultimate comfort meal—sweet, savory, garlicky, and loaded with saucy goodness, all ready in under 30 minutes.

Mongolian-style sauces are famous for their rich balance of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, creating that perfect mix of sweet and salty. In this recipe, we take those bold flavors and toss them with ground beef and noodles, making a dish that’s not only mouthwatering but also super easy to whip up on a busy night.

Aside from being delicious, this meal is nutrient-packed:

• Ground beef is full of protein and iron, keeping you satisfied.
• Noodles provide comforting carbs for energy.
• Garlic and ginger aren’t just for flavor—they’re great for digestion and immunity.
• Soy sauce adds umami while keeping things simple.
• Veggies like bell peppers and carrots bring crunch and vitamins to the mix.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need a quick meal after a long day, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will definitely hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real—some dinners feel like a chore, and others are just plain fun to make and eat. Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles? That’s one of those meals. It’s fast, satisfying, and has that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds—no judgment).

1. It’s Ready in 20 Minutes

Not kidding—you can make this dish faster than it takes to order takeout. Brown the beef, toss in the sauce, cook the noodles, and boom—you’re done. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you just need dinner on the table, like, now.

2. You Only Need One Pan

Nobody likes a mountain of dishes, so here’s the good news: this meal keeps cleanup to a minimum. You can cook everything in one pan or wok, meaning less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal (or binge-watching your favorite show).

3. Budget-Friendly & Simple Ingredients

This isn’t one of those recipes that require a trip to five different specialty stores. You just need:

• Ground beef (affordable and full of flavor)
• Noodles (ramen, spaghetti, or whatever you have)
• Pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic

Nothing fancy, just good, solid ingredients that work together like magic.

4. Kid-Friendly & Picky-Eater Approved

If your household has a mix of adventurous eaters and those who only eat beige foods, this dish is a winner. The sweet-savory sauce is mild enough for kids but flavorful enough for grown-ups to love it too.

5. You Can Customize It However You Want

• Want spice? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
• Need more protein? Toss in a fried egg.
• Going low-carb? Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Basically, this dish works for everyone—which is why you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

The best part about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles? You don’t need anything fancy. Just simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make something crazy delicious.

1. Ground Beef (The Flavor MVP)

Ground beef gives this dish rich, meaty flavor and cooks up in minutes. I usually go for 80/20 beef (80% lean, 20% fat) because the little bit of fat adds major juiciness. If you want something leaner, ground turkey or chicken works too!

2. Noodles (Because No Carbs = No Fun)

You can pretty much use whatever noodles you have:

• Ramen noodles – Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Spaghetti – Yup, it works! It’s a great swap if you don’t have Asian noodles.
• Rice noodles – Light and chewy, and they’re gluten-free!
• Egg noodles – Soft and buttery, great for a richer texture.

3. The Mongolian Sauce (Sweet, Salty, & Addictive)

This sauce is what makes the dish—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness. You’ll need:

• Soy sauce – Deep, umami-packed flavor.
• Brown sugar – Brings the signature sweet Mongolian taste.
• Garlic & Ginger – Fresh is best, but powdered works in a pinch.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, so it coats every bite.
• Sesame oil – Adds authentic depth and a hint of nuttiness.

4. Veggies (For Crunch & Color)

This dish is great on its own, but adding veggies makes it even better. Some tasty options:

• Bell peppers – Sweet, crunchy, and full of color.
• Carrots – Adds a little natural sweetness.
• Snap peas or broccoli – A perfect contrast to the rich beef.

Toss it all together, and you’ve got a meal that’s way better than takeout!

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal effort. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of saucy, savory, slightly sweet noodles that taste like they came straight from your favorite takeout spot.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until there’s no pink left. If there’s excess grease, drain it (but leave a little for extra flavor).

Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce

While the beef is cooking, mix up your Mongolian sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)

Give it a good stir until everything is dissolved. Set it aside—you’ll need it in a minute.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Boil a big pot of water and cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Don’t overcook! You want them slightly firm because they’ll soak up all that amazing sauce. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Toss in the cooked noodles and any veggies (like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli). Stir well until everything is coated in that sticky, garlicky sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Turn off the heat and finish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Want a little kick? Add red pepper flakes or sriracha!

And that’s it! Dinner is served.

Swaps and Substitutions for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

One of the best things about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is how flexible it is. Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just want to mix things up, there are plenty of easy swaps to make this dish work for you!

1. No Ground Beef? No Problem!

• Ground turkey or chicken – Lighter but still soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken – A great way to use up leftovers!
• Thinly sliced beef (like flank steak or sirloin) – Gives a more traditional Mongolian beef feel.
• Tofu or mushrooms – Perfect if you’re going for a vegetarian version.

2. Need a Different Noodle?

Pretty much any noodle will work, so use what you have!

• Rice noodles – A great gluten-free option.
• Spaghetti or linguine – If it’s in your pantry, it works!
• Lo mein or udon noodles – Chewy and perfect for soaking up sauce.
• Zucchini noodles or cabbage – A low-carb option that still feels satisfying.

3. Gluten-Free?

Easy fix!

• Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
• Stick to rice noodles or veggie noodles.

4. Want It Spicier?

This dish is mild as written, but you can easily kick up the heat!

• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce – Stir in a spoonful for extra heat.
• Red pepper flakes – Sprinkle them in while cooking or on top when serving.
• Fresh jalapeños – Thinly sliced for a fresh, spicy bite.

5. No Brown Sugar?

Try honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar—they all bring the same sweet balance to the sauce.

With all these options, there’s no wrong way to make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles—just the way you love it!

For another comforting, adaptable meal, check out this Swiss Chicken Casserole—it’s just as easy and versatile!

What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

So, you’ve got a big bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, dripping in sweet and savory sauce. Now, what do you serve with it? While this dish is totally satisfying on its own, adding the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level.

1. Fresh & Crunchy Veggies

Since the noodles are rich and saucy, a fresh side balances everything out.

• Steamed or roasted broccoli – A classic! Broccoli soaks up the sauce like a champ.
• Cucumber salad – Cool, refreshing, and perfect for cutting through the sweetness.
• Asian slaw – Shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing bring the crunch.

2. Something Light & Savory

If you want to add variety without making the meal too heavy, these sides do the trick:

• Miso soup – Warm, umami-packed, and ridiculously easy to make.
• Edamame – Simply boiled with a sprinkle of sea salt—so addictive!
• Spring rolls – Light, fresh, and great for dipping in extra sauce.

3. Extra Protein? Yes, Please!

If you want to bulk up the meal, try adding:

• A fried egg – Runny yolk + noodles = pure magic.
• Crispy tofu – Pan-fried or air-fried for extra crunch.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp – Soaks up the Mongolian sauce perfectly.

4. Drinks That Pair Well

You’ll want something refreshing to go with all that bold flavor:

• Iced green tea – Light and slightly bitter to balance the sweet sauce.
• Lemonade – The tangy citrus cuts through the richness.
• Light beer or white wine – If you’re feeling fancy!

Whatever you choose, these sides round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.

FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Print Recipe

 

A quick and easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that’s packed with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. Ready in just 20 minutes!

• Author: Julie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 8 oz noodles (ramen, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
• ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Optional: Red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Stir until combined.
• Boil water and cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir and let it thicken for 2 minutes.
• Toss in the cooked noodles, mixing well so they absorb the sauce.
• Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sesame oil.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or tofu for a lighter option.
• For extra crunch, add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, quick beef noodles, easy ground beef recipe, 20-minute dinner

So there you have it—Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick, budget-friendly, and straight-up delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something better than takeout, this dish checks all the boxes.

Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life

• It’s fast. You can have it on the table in 20 minutes—quicker than delivery!
• It’s easy. One pan, simple ingredients, and zero stress.
• It’s customizable. Spice it up, add veggies, swap the noodles—make it yours!

Honestly, once you try it, you’ll see why this is one of those “make-again-and-again” recipes. It’s got that perfect mix of sweet, savory, garlicky goodness that keeps you coming back for more.

Final Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Let the beef get a little crispy for extra texture.
• Don’t overcook the noodles—they should be slightly firm when you mix them in.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste—if you like it less sweet, use less brown sugar.
• Make extra! Leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, whip this up, and enjoy every bite. Just be warned—once your family gets a taste, they’ll be asking for it all the time!