Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about this dish is how it brings big flavor with simple ingredients. The Mongolian-style sauce is sweet, salty, and umami-rich—it clings to every strand of noodle and each bite of beef. It’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize depending on what I have in the pantry or fridge. Whether I need a quick meal for the family or just want something cozy for myself, this recipe always delivers.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500 g ground beef
250 g egg noodles or your choice of noodles
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water or beef broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

directions

1. I start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, I drain them and set them aside.

2. While the noodles are cooking, I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

4. Once the beef is fully cooked, I stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until everything is fragrant.

5. In a small bowl, I mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water or beef broth, then pour it into the skillet with the beef.

6. I let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If I want a bit of heat, I stir in some crushed red pepper flakes.

7. I toss in the cooked noodles and mix until they’re fully coated with the savory sauce and beef mixture.

8. Finally, I garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes a total of 30 minutes to make—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that still feels like a special treat.

Variations

I like to play around with different versions of this dish to keep it interesting:

• Noodles: I sometimes use ramen, udon, or rice noodles instead of egg noodles, depending on what I’m craving.

• Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter version.

• Extra veggies: I love tossing in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or baby spinach for more color and nutrition.

• Low-sodium: I use low-sodium soy sauce if I want to cut down on the salt without losing flavor.

• Sauce upgrade: A splash of hoisin or a few drops of sesame oil adds another layer of depth.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet or microwave. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the noodles and sauce. This dish also freezes well—just portion it into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors even deepen as it sits.

What type of noodles work best?

I usually go with egg noodles for their texture, but udon, ramen, or even spaghetti all work great in this recipe.

Is it very sweet?

The sauce has a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar, but it’s balanced by the soy sauce and garlic. I sometimes reduce the sugar if I want a more savory version.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. I add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking, or drizzle a bit of sriracha on top for more heat.

What can I serve with it?

It’s a full meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with steamed broccoli, cucumber salad, or a simple miso soup on the side.

Conclusion

Mongolian ground beef noodles are one of those meals I come back to again and again. It’s fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor—and I can whip it up with pantry staples. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding the whole family, this dish always delivers warmth, comfort, and a little bit of takeout-style joy right at home.