Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a delicious dish that combines the savory flavors of beef with the satisfying texture of noodles. This recipe is not just easy to make, but it also brings a hint of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your dining table. It offers a wonderful blend of sweetness from the brown sugar and savory notes from the soy and hoisin sauces. This meal can be prepared in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re simply in the mood for something hearty and flavorful.
When you think of comfort food, many people picture pasta or noodles. This dish takes that comfort to a new level with the addition of ground beef, making it rich and filling. The combination of ingredients creates a comforting meal that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a dish that is perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a meal prep option for the week ahead.
Why make this recipe
There are countless reasons to make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. First and foremost, it is incredibly flavorful. The mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic provides a delicious umami punch that keeps you coming back for more. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a tasty dish on the table that everyone will love.
Another reason to make this recipe is the versatility it offers. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Whether you want more heat with red pepper flakes or prefer to throw in some vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, this dish can adapt to your cravings. It’s also a budget-friendly option, as ground beef is often more affordable than other cuts of meat, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to save money while enjoying a hearty meal.
How to make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dish. The best part is that it’s all done in one skillet, minimizing cleanup time—a win for everyone!
Ingredients:
- 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 of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
Starting off, you will need to cook the linguine according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling water and simmering the pasta until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the linguine and set it aside for later.
While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and start cooking the ground beef over medium heat. You want to cook it until it is nicely browned and fully cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat once the beef is done. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and aromatic.
At this point, it’s time to add the flavor. Stir in the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of spice. Make sure to mix everything well to ensure all the flavors combine nicely.
Now, take a small bowl to make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with the water. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir it in until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, add the cooked linguine back into the skillet and toss it gently until the noodles are well coated in that delicious sauce.
For the finishing touch, garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Time Breakdown
- Cooking linguine: 10-12 minutes
- Browning ground beef: 5-7 minutes
- Cooking garlic and sauce: 5-7 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
How to serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are best served hot straight from the skillet. You can plate the noodles and beef mixture in individual bowls or serve family-style in a large dish. Adding extra sliced green onions on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds a nice fresh crunch.
Pair this dish with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. It also complements well with a chilled beverage, whether that be water, iced tea, or any of your favorite soft drinks.
How to store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
If you have leftovers (though they might be hard to resist!), you can store your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it becomes too dry.
Tips to make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
To make sure your dish turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. First, do not rush cooking the ground beef; allowing it to brown nicely will enhance the flavor. Also, taste the sauce before adding everything together—everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust sauces and spices according to your liking.
Another tip is to reserve a bit of the cooking water from the linguine. If your sauce becomes too thick upon adding the noodles, a few spoons of the reserved pasta water can rescue the dish and keep it creamy.
Variation
This dish is versatile enough to invite variations. If you’re not a fan of beef, try swapping it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take. You can also include vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, to add color and nutrition. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 550
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or diced tofu. Use vegetable broth and ensure the sauces are suitable for a vegetarian diet.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by the amount of red pepper flakes you choose to add. For a milder version, simply omit the flakes.
3. Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
While the dish can be frozen, we recommend only freezing the beef mixture. The noodles tend to get mushy when thawed. Store the sauce separately and cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
In conclusion, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful dish that everyone will love. From ease of preparation to delightful taste, it checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. With its versatility, hearty flavor, and ability to please the entire family, this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Enjoy the rich tastes and warmth it brings to your table!
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10 oz linguine or any preferred noodles
- 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 flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
- 4 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions, usually by boiling in water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
Cooking
- Stir in the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- In a small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water. Add this to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss gently until well coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
