Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring tender spaghetti or lo mein noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with ground beef, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with an Asian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 12 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the browned beef. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, infusing the beef with flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, and black pepper until combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and coats the beef nicely.
- Toss noodles in sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly so they are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce and beef mixture.
- Finish with garnishes: Stir in the sliced green onions and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired, for a satisfying Asian-inspired main dish.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or snap peas to the dish before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey for leaner protein if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to tune sweetness to your liking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and broth to control saltiness.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
