Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles

This quick, savory, and slightly sweet stir-fry combines tender ground beef with chewy noodles in a rich, garlicky Mongolian-style sauce. It’s a budget-friendly weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

· 8 oz (225g) dried noodles (such as udon, lo mein, or spaghetti)
· 1 tbsp sesame oil (for tossing)

For the Sauce:

· ⅓ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
· ¼ cup brown sugar
· ¼ cup water or beef broth
· 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
· 1 tbsp rice vinegar
· 2 tsp sesame oil
· 2 tsp cornstarch
· 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Stir-Fry:

· 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 works well)
· 1 tbsp vegetable oil
· 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
· 2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
· 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
· 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
· Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Noodles & Sauce

1. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and toss with 1 tbsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed and transfer beef to a plate.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add vegetable oil. Add onion, carrots, bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions.
2. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Return beef to the skillet. Pour sauce over everything and stir to coat.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
3. Add cooked noodles and toss gently until heated through and evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with sliced green onion tops and sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot, with extra soy sauce or chili oil on the side if desired.

Variations & Tips:

· Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
· Vegetable additions: Try adding broccoli florets, snap peas, or mushrooms.
· Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
· Make ahead: Sauce can be mixed a day in advance. Store cooked noodles separately with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
· Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional noodles.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Enjoy this hearty, savory-sweet noodle dish that comes together faster than takeout!