Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: The Weeknight Dinner You Didn’t Know You Needed

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and wallet-friendly dinner? These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles deliver bold, savory-sweet flavor with minimal prep and pantry staples. Think of it as your favorite takeout—only faster and more satisfying.


Why I Love This Recipe

This dish hits all the weeknight dinner marks: one skillet, simple ingredients, and family-approved flavor. The hoisin, soy, and brown sugar sauce clings perfectly to every bite of beef and noodle, making it comfort food with a kick. Plus, no marinating or deep frying required!


🛒 Ingredients

For the ultimate flavor-packed dinner, gather the following:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flake, optional
  • 10 oz linguine (or noodles of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 green onions, sliced

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Notes

  • Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want something leaner.
  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
  • Sub rice noodles or ramen for a different texture twist.
  • Fresh ginger adds a punch if you have it—just use 1 tablespoon grated.

👨‍🍳 How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook your linguine or chosen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Add soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Pour into the beef mixture and bring to a gentle boil until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until well-coated. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to absorb the sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot!


🔥 Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it thickens the sauce and gives it that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
  • Taste before serving. You may want to adjust the soy sauce or sugar to match your desired sweet/savory balance.
  • Use pre-minced garlic for speed if you’re in a rush.

🥗 Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but here are some killer pairings:

  • A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas
  • A crisp side of these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for variety

And if you’re entertaining, pair it with a cold Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo to feed a crowd!


🧊 Storage & Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
  • Not ideal for freezing due to the noodles, but the beef mixture freezes well on its own!

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Final Thoughts

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a crowd-pleasing, one-pan wonder that brings big flavor in under 30 minutes. Try it once, and you’ll be putting this on regular dinner rotation.

Love this recipe? Leave a comment, share your twist, and don’t forget to follow for more comforting dinners with major flavor. 🍜💥