Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines savory ground beef with a sweet, salty sauce and tender linguine noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is customizable with your favorite vegetables and is perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying, comforting meal. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz linguine noodles
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions soften.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the sauce and beef mixture. If desired, add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots at this stage.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Spicy Version: If you like extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle in a bit of sriracha.
- Noodle Substitution: You can swap linguine noodles with rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture.
- Protein Options: For a change, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Mongolian, Asian Fusion
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Savory and Sweet Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Customizable: Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to suit your taste.
- Comforting Meal: Hearty ground beef and noodles make it filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz linguine noodles
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions have softened.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the beef and sauce. If you prefer, add your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots) at this stage.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: For an extra kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of sriracha to the sauce.
- Noodle Swap: Swap out linguine for rice noodles or even spaghetti for a different texture.
- Protein Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the noodles, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use rice noodles, udon noodles, or spaghetti as a substitute for linguine.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce for extra heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth or water instead of the meat drippings.
What can I serve this with?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may even improve after sitting for a while.
Can I freeze this recipe?
While the noodles may lose their texture when frozen, you can freeze the ground beef mixture and reheat it with fresh noodles later.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
Yes, but the dish will be saltier. If using regular soy sauce, consider reducing the amount of additional salt added to the recipe.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor may change slightly.
How do I make this dish more filling?
You can add more protein, such as extra ground beef, chicken, or tofu, or bulk it up with more vegetables.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweetness of the sauce and the savory beef make it a great choice for children, but you can reduce the spice level if necessary.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a delicious and quick dish that combines savory beef, a sweet and tangy sauce, and soft noodles, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the spice level to your preference for a meal everyone will enjoy.