Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (Lean or 80/20 depending on preference); 5 cloves Garlic (Minced); 8 oz Noodles (Lo mein or spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions); 2 tablespoons Soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon Sesame oil; 2 stalks Green onions (Chopped for garnish); Salt (To taste); Pepper (To taste)

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Creamy, savory, and downright comforting — Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash. Imagine tender noodles tossed in a rich, slightly sweet soy-hoisin sauce with garlicky, browned ground beef and a hint of sesame oil — simple ingredients turning into something special. Fun fact: many “Mongolian” dishes in home kitchens borrow bold flavors and fast-cooking techniques rather than strict regional authenticity, which means you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

This recipe is perfect for busy families because it’s quick, kid-friendly, and budget-conscious. If you love easy noodle dinners, you might also enjoy the spin we link to for extra inspiration in a similar vein: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe on our site. Read on and get excited — you’ll be serving up a crowd-pleasing dinner in under 30 minutes.

What is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

What’s in a name? Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles sounds exotic, right? But really, it’s a playful label for a tasty stir-toss of ground beef and noodles flavored with soy, hoisin, garlic, and sesame — comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist. Why “Mongolian”? Maybe because the rich sauce rides over noodles like a hearty stew, or maybe someone declared it fit for a conquering appetite. Who knows? But we do know this: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish aims straight for the heart — and everyone else’s stomach, too. Give it a try and see if the name grows on you.

Why You’ll Love This

Big bold flavor from everyday pantry staples: soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and sesame oil create a deeply savory-sweet backbone that clings to every noodle.
Budget-friendly and filling: ground beef is economical, and a pound goes a long way when mixed with noodles — perfect for feeding families or meal prepping.
Quick and family-friendly: milder flavors make it appealing to kids, but you can easily add a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for grown-up heat.

If you’re exploring hearty, simple beef dinners, you’ll also enjoy our take on a comfort-focused casserole: 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole. Try this noodle dish tonight and see why it becomes a repeat request.

How to Make: Quick Overview

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and satisfying. You’ll brown the beef, build a flavorful sauce with garlic, soy and hoisin, then toss everything with cooked noodles for a glossy, comforting bowl. The standout element is the sauce — it’s savory, slightly sweet, and coats each strand for maximum flavor. Prep and cook time together are about 20–25 minutes, making it an ideal quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, lean or 80/20 depending on preference
5 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz noodles (e.g., lo mein or spaghetti), cooked according to package instructions
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Make sure to salt the boiling water for best flavor and toss them with a tiny drizzle of oil if you won’t be using them immediately so they don’t stick.
In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes depending on the heat and pan, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if desired.
Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, mixing well to coat the beef. Allow the sauce to simmer with the beef for 1–2 minutes so flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together, using tongs or two forks to gently combine so the sauce evenly coats the noodles. Heat through for another 1–2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

What to Serve With

Steamed or roasted broccoli for a bright, crunchy contrast.
A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to cut the richness.
Simple pan-fried dumplings or potstickers for a more substantial meal.
Light jasmine or green tea to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use fresh garlic and cook it briefly — burnt garlic becomes bitter.
If you prefer a leaner dish, choose 90/10 ground beef and drain any excess fat after browning.
Swap hoisin for oyster sauce or add a teaspoon of brown sugar if you like it sweeter.
For extra texture, toss in shredded carrots or bell pepper when adding the sauce and cook until just tender.
Avoid overcooking the noodles; slightly undercook them if you’ll finish them in the pan so they don’t become mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked beef and noodle mix for up to 2 months, but texture may soften slightly on thawing. Freeze in meal-sized portions.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying. Microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between, for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version. You may want to add a splash of oil when cooking lean meats to keep them from drying out.

What type of noodles work best?
Lo mein, spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles are great. Choose what you have on hand — thicker noodles hold the sauce nicely.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?
Hoisin adds a sweet, tangy depth. You can substitute oyster sauce plus a pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the soy to keep it safe for gluten-free diners.

How do I add vegetables to the dish?
Add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded cabbage when you add the sauce; cook until just tender so they retain crunch.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a speedy, satisfying dish that brings bold, family-friendly flavors to the table without fuss. It’s a great weeknight solution when you want something comforting and quick, and it adapts well to what you have in the pantry. If you’d like to compare versions or see another home cook’s take for inspiration, check out this flavorful guide to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles or a different editorial approach at Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles | 12 Tomatoes. Give this easy recipe a try, share it with family, and enjoy a simple dinner that feels special.