This dish is a yummy mix of ground beef and noodles, all tossed together with tasty flavors. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
You can whip it up in no time! I love how the beef gets so flavorful, and the noodles are always a hit. It’s an easy meal that makes everyone happy! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness to the dish. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian version!
No noodles: Egg noodles are perfect for this recipe, but you can swap them for rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti if you can’t find the others.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos is also a great alternative for a sweeter flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce. If you prefer, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for an aromatic punch. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder and ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for flavor!
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef correctly is crucial for great texture and flavor. Here’s how to achieve perfect beef:
- Start with a hot skillet or wok to sear the beef quickly. This locks in juices.
- Break the beef apart as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Look for a good brown color to develop for flavor.
- Check for doneness by ensuring there’s no pink left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Don’t rush this step, as properly cooked beef will enhance the dish’s overall taste!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 225g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or thin wheat noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or chili flakes to taste (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish can be prepared in about 20 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and beef, and about 10 minutes mixing everything together for a delicious meal. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them until they are al dente, then drain and set them aside. It’s important they’re ready before you mix everything together!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Make sure to drain any excess fat if you have a lot. This helps keep the dish from being too greasy!
3. Add Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté this mixture for about a minute until it smells amazing! This is where the magic happens.
4. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water (or beef broth). Pour this delightful sauce into the skillet with the beef, stirring well to combine.
5. Simmer:
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will thicken it slightly and let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and mixed with the beef. You want to make sure every noodle is flavorful!
7. Finish It Off:
If you’re using sesame oil and red pepper flakes, stir them in now for extra flavor and a bit of heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; sometimes a little more soy sauce is just what it needs!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the noodles on plates or in bowls, and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Enjoy this quick, flavorful meal!
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work great, you can substitute them with rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Using a vegetarian broth in place of beef broth will keep the flavor rich!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! You can freeze the noodles and beef mixture. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
