Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of tender ground beef with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight dish, this recipe fits the bill. The standout features include the aromatic blend of garlic and ginger, along with the convenience of preparing it in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of hoisin, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats each noodle perfectly.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this hearty meal, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
- Budget-Friendly: Using lean ground beef keeps costs low while providing protein-packed goodness.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, gather your tools and equipment to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and developing rich flavors.
- Pot for boiling noodles: Ensures that your noodles cook perfectly al dente without sticking together.
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
Garnish
- 4 green onions (sliced)
How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add in the fresh grated ginger and minced garlic to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
While the beef is cooking, bring a pot of water to boil. Add linguine or fettuccine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the beef is cooked, drain excess fat from it. Add brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the beef mixture. Bring everything to a simmer until thickened, roughly 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Mix in Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together so that each noodle is coated evenly in that delicious sauce. Let sit for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles with sliced green onions before serving hot. Enjoy this quick meal that’s bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve this dish in various ways to cater to different tastes and occasions. Here are some serving suggestions that elevate the experience of this flavorful meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh flavor that complements the savory sauce.
- Sesame Seeds – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – A healthy addition that provides a nice color contrast.
- Sliced Bell Peppers – Serve raw or lightly sautéed for added sweetness and crunch.
Add a Side Salad
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad can balance the richness of the noodles.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw with vinegar dressing adds texture and zing.
Serve with Egg Rolls
- Vegetable Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls make for a delightful side that is perfect for sharing.
- Shrimp Egg Rolls – For seafood lovers, shrimp egg rolls provide an extra layer of flavor.
Offer Dipping Sauces
- Sweet Chili Sauce – For those who enjoy a little heat, sweet chili sauce pairs wonderfully.
- Soy Sauce Mixture – A simple mix of soy sauce and vinegar can add an extra punch.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, consider these helpful tips. This will ensure your dish is consistently delicious every time you make it.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh ground beef and high-quality sauces enhance flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Cook the noodles just until al dente; they will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust Spice to Taste – If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
- Let Flavors Marinate – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the noodles absorb more sauce flavor.
- Experiment with Proteins – Try swapping ground beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Add Seasonal Veggies – Incorporate seasonal vegetables like snap peas or bok choy for added nutrition and color.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this savory dish beautifully.
- Steamed Edamame – Lightly salted edamame adds protein and is easy to prepare.
- Fried Rice – A classic Asian side, fried rice can be made with veggies, eggs, or additional proteins.
- Hot and Sour Soup – This flavorful soup offers a nice contrast to the rich noodles.
- Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a refreshing bite alongside your noodles.
- Miso Soup – Light miso soup is soothing and pairs well without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic Bok Choy – Sautéed garlic bok choy brings both nutrition and vibrant green color to your plate.
- Crispy Tofu Bites – Crunchy tofu bites seasoned with soy sauce complement the flavors perfectly.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after the rich meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some key points to keep in mind.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your ground beef is at room temperature before cooking.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough. Aim for just browned, then add ginger and garlic quickly.
- Skipping the noodle timing: If you don’t cook the noodles correctly, they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for al dente texture.
- Not letting flavors meld: Skipping the resting time after mixing noodles with sauce can result in bland flavor. Allowing a few minutes helps absorb the sauce.
- Using too much cornstarch: Adding excess cornstarch can make the dish gummy. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect sauce consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option while keeping similar flavors.
How spicy is Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
The spice level depends on whether you use red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your preference for heat.
What noodles work best?
Linguine or fettuccine are great choices, but you can also use rice noodles or spaghetti if desired.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas are excellent additions that enhance nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is an easy and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its versatility allows you to customize with your favorite vegetables or different proteins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of flavor!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With hints of garlic and ginger, each bite bursts with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. Plus, the dish is versatile; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste. Enjoy this satisfying dinner that keeps both your wallet and your family happy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (about 5 minutes). Add ginger and garlic for the last two minutes.
- Boil the noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from the beef. Stir in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the beef mixture and simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Toss in the cooked noodles until well coated with sauce. Let sit for another few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
