Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the perfect one-pan dish when you’re craving something savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. With tender noodles, juicy ground beef, and a rich Mongolian-style sauce, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy nights when you still want something that tastes like it’s straight from your favorite takeout spot.
The best part? It’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy: On the table in half an hour.
One-Pan Convenience: Less cleanup and more time to relax.
Budget-Friendly: Everyday ingredients, maximum flavor.
Family Approved: Sweet-salty flavor that’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. If needed, drain excess fat. Add olive oil only if using very lean beef to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
4. Combine & Simmer
Add minced garlic to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring until it begins to thicken (about 2–3 minutes).
5. Add the Noodles
Toss cooked noodles into the skillet, mixing until they’re well coated with the sauce. Stir in sliced green onions.
6. Serve
Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce brown sugar slightly for a less sweet sauce.
- Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish is in its sauce—rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory. Using ground beef keeps the recipe quick and affordable while still delivering big flavor. Paired with noodles, it’s the kind of dinner that makes you wonder why you’d ever need takeout.