Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
Description
This easy and flavorful dish combines the rich, sweet-and-savory flavors of Mongolian-style sauce with ground beef and hearty noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s loaded with protein and veggies and comes together in just 30 minutes. Think of it as Mongolian beef meets stir-fried noodles — comforting, saucy, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Sauce:
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ cup water
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
For the Stir-Fry:
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80-90% lean)
8 oz (225g) lo mein or spaghetti noodles
1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish, red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package instructions.
Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, cornstarch, water, ginger, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Veggies
Add carrots and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef.
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until veggies start to soften but still have some crunch.
Step 5: Combine
Add cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet.
Toss everything together and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot. Optional: add red pepper flakes for spice.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 580 kcal
Protein 32 g
Carbohydrates 52 g
Sugars 14 g
Fiber 3 g
Fat 27 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Sodium 1300 mg
Cholesterol 70 mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use another type of meat?
A: Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu can be used as substitutes.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and swap out oyster sauce for more hoisin or a vegetarian oyster sauce.
Q: What noodles work best?
A: Lo mein noodles are traditional, but spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen work great too.
Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your hoisin and noodles are gluten-free.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Definitely. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, and cabbage are
all great additions.