Description

This 15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner for those seeking a fast, flavorful meal without the hassle. Inspired by traditional Mongolian beef, this dish swaps flank steak for budget-friendly ground beef and pairs it with tender noodles. The savory sauce, made from soy sauce, hoisin, and a touch of brown sugar, coats each noodle and bite of beef, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. It’s quick to make, using everyday pantry ingredients, and customizable to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re in a hurry or just want to enjoy some comfort food without ordering takeout, this dish hits the mark.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
10 oz linguine
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
4 green onions sliced

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz of linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add 5 minced garlic cloves to the browned beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup beef broth, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir well.
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles with the sauce and beef mixture. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb more flavor.
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top. Serve the noodles hot and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust Spice: You can control the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or even omitting them entirely for a milder dish.
Noodle Options: While this recipe uses linguine or spaghetti, feel free to swap them with rice noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
Protein Substitutes: Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu make excellent alternatives if you want to switch up the protein.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and beef mixture ahead of time and just cook fresh noodles before serving, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or busy nights.
Serving Ideas: Garnish with sesame oil, fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions for extra flavor, or pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or egg rolls for a fuller meal.