When it comes to fast and flavorful dinners, few recipes deliver like Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. This dish combines tender ground beef with a savory-sweet sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles — all ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual dinner party, this recipe brings restaurant-style taste right into your kitchen.

Mongolian cuisine has inspired many delicious dishes in Western kitchens, with Mongolian beef being a well-loved staple. Typically featuring tender slices of beef in a soy-based sauce, this variation swaps sliced beef for ground beef, cutting down prep time while keeping all the savory flavor. Tossed with noodles and simple vegetables, it becomes a complete meal packed with protein, flavor, and comfort.

Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Fast & Easy: Uses ground beef for quick cooking — no marinating or slicing required.
Family-Friendly: Mildly sweet and savory sauce appeals to both kids and adults.
Customizable: Add vegetables, spice, or protein alternatives to fit your preference.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple prep make it a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

For the Beef & Sauce

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

For the Noodles & Vegetables

8 oz (225 g) dry noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers
½ cup sliced green onions
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Break apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Aromatics

Add garlic and ginger to the beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

6. Combine Noodles & Vegetables

Add cooked noodles, shredded carrots, and bell peppers to the beef mixture. Toss over medium heat for 2–3 minutes to warm through and evenly coat with sauce. Drizzle remaining sesame oil.

7. Serve

Plate noodles and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the sauce flavor.
Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercook them; they’ll finish cooking in the skillet.
Adjust sweetness and salt: Taste sauce before tossing noodles; add more brown sugar or soy sauce to suit preference.
Make ahead: Sauce and beef can be prepared in advance; toss with freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Vegetable variations: Snow peas, broccoli florets, or zucchini work well for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy.
Pair with hot tea or a light Asian-inspired cocktail.
Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal prep lunches.

Creative Variations

Spicy Mongolian Noodles: Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu instead of beef.
Extra Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to increase fiber.

Health Benefits & Nutrition Notes

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles provide protein, fiber from vegetables, and essential vitamins. Using lean ground beef reduces saturated fat, while adding colorful vegetables boosts antioxidants. Serving with whole-grain or rice noodles enhances fiber content and keeps the dish balanced.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

While “Mongolian beef” isn’t a traditional Mongolian dish, it draws inspiration from Asian flavors. The combination of sweet soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil has roots in Chinese-American cuisine. Swapping sliced beef for ground beef makes this recipe faster and more practical for home cooks while still offering bold, savory flavor.