Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef – lean ground beef is best for a lighter dish

5 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and aromatics

1/3 cup brown sugar – for that signature Mongolian sweetness

1/4 cup beef broth – helps develop the sauce’s rich flavor

1/3 cup soy sauce – the savory base; use low sodium if preferred

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce – adds a layer of sweetness and umami

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – for warmth and subtle spice

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper – enhances overall flavor

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – add for a spicy kick

10 oz linguine – you can use other long pasta like spaghetti or rice noodles for a gluten-free version

1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce

2 tablespoons water – to dissolve the cornstarch

4 green onions, sliced – for garnish and a pop of freshness

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the linguine (or your preferred pasta) in a large pot of salted, boiling water. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Once the beef is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium.

3. Add Garlic and Aromatics

Next, add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Combine with Noodles

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet. Toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until fully coated. Allow the noodles and beef to simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can fully absorb into the pasta.

6. Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the dish for a fresh, vibrant garnish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy every savory bite!