There's something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles—tender noodles coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce with flavorful ground beef and a hint of garlic and ginger. The combination of umami-packed soy sauce, a touch of brown sugar, and the warmth of red pepper flakes creates an irresistible dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

I first discovered this recipe when searching for a quick and affordable dinner idea that still felt indulgent. After a few tweaks, it became a household favorite. Now, it's my go-to when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet delicious dish! Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal.
First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic nights when you just want something fast and flavorful.
It's also budget-friendly. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t have to make a special trip to the store.
This dish is versatile and customizable. Prefer chicken instead of beef? Want to add extra veggies? You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
And of course, it's packed with flavor. The sweet and savory sauce combined with the richness of the beef and the chewiness of the noodles makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles comes from its simple yet bold ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible.
Ground beef is the star of the show. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go with 90/10, but be sure to add a little extra oil to prevent dryness.
The noodles you choose can make all the difference. Lo mein, spaghetti, or even fettuccine work beautifully in this recipe. The key is to use a pasta that holds up well to the rich sauce.
Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce, adding deep umami flavor. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness balanced, but if you’re using regular soy sauce, you can reduce the amount slightly.
For the perfect touch of sweetness, brown sugar is essential. It caramelizes beautifully with the soy sauce, creating that signature Mongolian flavor. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can cut back on the sugar slightly.
To elevate the dish, fresh garlic and ginger add warmth and depth. Using fresh ingredients instead of powders makes a big difference in the overall taste.
You'll also need a large skillet or wok to cook everything efficiently. A good nonstick pan ensures the sauce coats the noodles evenly without sticking.
How To Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Making this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to bring it all together step by step.
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the rest of the dish.
In a large skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary, but leave just a little to keep the beef moist.
Once the beef is browned, stir in the garlic and ginger. Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.
Next, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it coats the beef.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them in the sauce until they're fully coated. Let everything cook together for another minute so the noodles absorb all the flavors.
Finally, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh and nutty finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
For refrigeration, store the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious!
To freeze, place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, add a splash of water or soy sauce and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
Want to go low-carb? Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
Prefer chicken over beef? Use ground chicken or turkey instead. Just be sure to add a little extra oil since they tend to be leaner meats.
Add extra veggies for more nutrition and texture. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, snap peas, or even baby spinach work beautifully in this dish.
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha or chili oil at the end.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and swapping the noodles for rice noodles or a gluten-free pasta option.
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is truly a weeknight winner—quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try and make it your own!
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a deliciously easy dish made with tender beef, garlic, ginger, and a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Tossed with noodles and garnished with green onions, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and ginger to the beef, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until evenly coated.
- Drizzle with sesame oil, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adjust spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
- Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
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