Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: Quick and Delicious
Short Introduction
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with a savory sauce and soft linguine noodles. This recipe is both simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is a winner for many reasons! First, it’s packed with protein from the beef, which helps keep you full and satisfied. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and hoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that kids and adults will love. Plus, it uses easy-to-find ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes, transforming your dinner routine into something exciting and delicious.
Ingredients
To make Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you will need:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 4 tsp minced ginger
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 12-ounce box of linguine noodles
- 4 green onions, diced for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Substitutions & Key Variations
- Ground Beef: You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Noodles: While linguine works well, you can use other types of noodles, such as spaghetti or rice noodles.
- Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sweetness: Instead of brown sugar, honey or maple syrup can be used for a natural sweetener.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet with high sides, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic to the meat. Stir occasionally to break up the beef as it cooks, until it’s fully browned. Once done, drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the stovetop.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While the beef is cooking, get a large pot of water boiling for your linguine noodles. Remember to salt the water well; this adds flavor to the noodles as they cook. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small dish, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and hoisin sauce until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Allow everything to sauté together for about 3 minutes, letting the beef soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Beef Mixture
Once your linguine noodles are cooked, drain them and then add them directly to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling to the noodles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once ready, remove from heat and serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Top with diced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Cook the beef over medium to medium-high heat to ensure it browns nicely without burning.
- Texture: Make sure your noodles are al dente for the best texture when combined with the beef mixture.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking the beef, which can lead to steaming rather than browning.
How to Serve
Serve your Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles warm, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a plant-based option.
2. What can I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, carrots, or a simple green salad to balance out the richness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine with the cooked noodles when ready to serve.
4. Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Omit them if you prefer no spice.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This dish is a good source of protein, providing essential nutrients for energy and muscle repair. Opting for lean beef can help reduce saturated fat while still enjoying the delicious flavors.
Conclusion
Try making Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for your next dinner! It’s easy, flavorful, and sure to impress your family and friends. With simple ingredients and step-by-step directions, you’ll have an amazing meal on the table in no time. Don’t wait – add this recipe to your weeknight rotation today!
Links to Related Recipes
- Sweet and Sour Beef Stir-Fry
- Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry
- Garlic Noodles with Shrimp
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 4 tsp minced ginger
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce Can be substituted with tamari for gluten-free.
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup brown sugar Can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- 6 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz linguine noodles Other types of noodles can be used if desired.
- 4 green onions diced for garnish
- to taste toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- In a medium skillet with high sides, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the minced ginger and garlic to the meat. Stir occasionally to break up the beef as it cooks, until it's fully browned.
- Drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the stovetop.
Preparing the Pasta
- While the beef is cooking, get a large pot of water boiling for your linguine noodles.
- Salt the water well to add flavor while cooking the noodles. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- In a small dish, mix together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and hoisin sauce until well combined.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Allow everything to sauté together for about 3 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Once your linguine noodles are cooked, drain them and add them directly to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce.
- Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Serving
- Remove from heat and serve topped with diced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.