Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
This Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tender ground beef with a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes! It’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. The unique blend of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce creates a standout flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet and savory sauce enhanced by garlic and ginger makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields eight servings, perfect for leftovers or meal prep for the week.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty dish, making it a hit at dinner time.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Serving spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of ground beef while allowing you to simmer the sauce effectively.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps create a smooth slurry when mixing cornstarch with water, which thickens the sauce perfectly.
Ingredients
This quick and tasty dish features tender ground beef coated in a sweet, savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and hoisin flavors. Tossed with noodles for an easy 30-minute meal.
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Noodles
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
For Thickening the Sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish
- 4 green onions (sliced)
How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking to infuse their flavors into the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook your linguine or fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
After draining excess fat from the skillet, add brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into your beef mixture in the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Toss with Noodles
Add your cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure that all noodles are coated evenly in that delicious sauce. Let it sit for another 2-3 minutes so that noodles absorb more flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your flavorful Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles garnished with sliced green onions on top. Enjoy this hearty meal with family or friends!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles make for a delightful meal, perfect for any dinner. You can serve them in various ways to enhance the dining experience and accommodate different tastes.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro leaves for a refreshing herbal note.
With Extra Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce: Drizzle extra hoisin sauce over the noodles before serving for an added sweetness.
- Chili Oil: A few drops of chili oil can introduce a spicy kick to your dish.
Accompanied by Crunchy Toppings
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can add a lovely nutty aroma and visual appeal.
Served with Sides
- Steamed Vegetables: Pair with broccoli or snap peas for a healthy balance.
- Egg Rolls: Serve alongside crispy egg rolls for a classic Asian-inspired meal.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
To ensure your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Lean Beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces excess fat and keeps the dish healthier.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This ensures they maintain their texture when tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or carrots into the skillet for added nutrition and color.
- Thicken Sauce Appropriately: Be careful not to overcook the cornstarch slurry; it should thicken quickly without clumping.
- Let It Sit Before Serving: Allowing the noodles to sit in the sauce helps absorb more flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles elevates your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables provide a nice crunch.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice complements the noodles well, adding more substance.
- Asian Slaw: A fresh slaw made with cabbage and carrots offers a refreshing contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and pairs nicely with Asian flavors.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks can be dipped into any leftover sauce from your noodles.
- Steamed Dumplings: Savory dumplings are another delicious addition that enhance the meal experience.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the dish.
- Edamame Beans: These protein-packed beans offer a nutritious side that’s also fun to eat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Not browning the beef properly: Ensure your ground beef is browned well for maximum flavor. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Skipping the ginger and garlic: These ingredients add essential flavors. Always add them towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Overcooking the noodles: Follow package instructions closely. Undercook slightly since they’ll cook more in the sauce.
- Ignoring the cornstarch slurry: This thickens your sauce nicely. Mix it well before adding to avoid lumps.
- Forgetting garnishes: Green onions add freshness and color. Don’t skip this final touch for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- These noodles can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet and cover with foil until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring between intervals.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! While linguine or fettuccine works well, you can also use rice noodles or even spaghetti as substitutes.
How spicy is Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
The dish can be mild or spicy depending on red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your taste preference by omitting or adding more.
Can I make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
These noodles pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is an easy, quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its savory sauce combined with tender beef and satisfying noodles makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or adjust spice levels for a personal touch!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles deliver a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, making them the perfect weeknight meal. This dish features tender ground beef cooked in a rich sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and hoisin, all tossed with linguine or fettuccine noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Add grated ginger and minced garlic during the last 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet and stir in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the skillet and simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Toss cooked noodles into the skillet until well coated in the sauce; let sit for an additional 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
