Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delightful dish that combines the robust flavors of ground beef with a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a quick and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. The tender noodles, enhanced by garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce, create an irresistible harmony of taste that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting noodle dish.
- Easy Cleanup: With one skillet to clean up afterward, you can spend more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make cooking Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this tasty dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows even cooking of the ground beef while mixing in all the flavors seamlessly.
- Pot for boiling noodles: Using a dedicated pot ensures 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.
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Noodle Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
Thickening Agents
- 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 over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh 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 cooks, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the linguine or fettuccine noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
After draining excess fat from the cooked beef, add brown sugar, low-sodium beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef mixture. Bring it to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Toss in Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure that all noodles are well coated in the rich sauce. Allow it to sit for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the noodles absorb some of those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles garnished with sliced green onions for an added crunch and color. Enjoy!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. You can serve it in various ways to enhance the dining experience and complement its rich flavors.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and bright color to your plate.
- Sautéed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers sautéed in a bit of olive oil provide sweetness and crunch.
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad on the side balances the savory noodles with its crispness.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor that pairs well with the dish’s sauce.
- Chili Oil Drizzle – A light drizzle of chili oil adds heat and enhances the overall taste.
With Additional Protein
- Fried Egg – A fried egg on top creates a rich, creamy texture that elevates each bite.
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu – Adding grilled chicken or tofu provides extra protein and makes it more filling.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
To get the most out of your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, follow these simple tips for perfection.
- Use Lean Meat – Opting for lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the dish hearty.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles – Cooking noodles just until al dente ensures they maintain their texture when tossed with sauce.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Modify red pepper flakes according to your heat preference for a customized flavor profile.
- Let It Rest – Allowing the noodles to sit in the sauce for a few minutes lets them absorb more flavor.
- Experiment with Sauces – Feel free to add different sauces like sriracha or teriyaki for unique twists on the classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread complements the savory flavors of the noodles perfectly.
- Egg Rolls – Crunchy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat add variety and texture to your meal.
- Fried Rice – A side of fried rice, flavored with soy sauce, harmonizes well with this noodle dish.
- Asian Slaw – A tangy Asian slaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing crunch alongside the noodles.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami depth that pairs nicely with the main dish.
- Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables can cleanse the palate and balance out the richness of the noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Using too much sauce: Overloading on sauces can make the dish overly salty. Use the recommended amounts and taste before adding more.
- Not draining excess fat: Leaving too much fat can make your dish greasy. Drain the beef after browning for a cleaner flavor.
- Skipping the simmer: Failing to let the sauce thicken can result in a watery dish. Always allow time for the sauce to simmer and coat the noodles.
- Overcooking noodles: Cooking noodles longer than recommended can lead to mushiness. Follow package instructions for al dente texture.
- Neglecting garnishes: Skipping green onions removes a layer of flavor and freshness. Always add them just before serving for a pop of color and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.
- They can last up to 2-3 months when properly frozen.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam and revive flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a leaner option while still retaining flavor.
What type of noodles work best with Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
Linguine or fettuccine are ideal choices as they hold onto the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
How spicy are Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
The spice level is adjustable based on your preference. The red pepper flakes are optional; omit them for a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles offer an amazing blend of flavors that appeal to many palates. This quick meal is not only satisfying but also allows for easy customization with vegetables or different proteins. Give this recipe a try today!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delightful dish that brings together the savory goodness of ground beef and the irresistible flavor of a sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With tender noodles infused with garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce, every bite offers a satisfying explosion of flavor. This comforting dish is not only quick to prepare but also family-friendly, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will enjoy it. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can focus on savoring your delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 4 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic in the last two minutes.
- While cooking the beef, boil water in a pot and cook the noodles until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from beef, then add brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and black pepper to the skillet.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; add to the skillet and simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Toss cooked noodles into the skillet with the beef mixture; mix well to coat noodles.
- Serve garnished with sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
