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This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful on the table fast. The tender ground beef perfectly soaks in the savory sauce while the linguine noodles soak up the rich blend of garlic, ginger, hoisin, and soy sauce. This dish balances sweet, salty, and spicy notes beautifully for a crowd-pleasing meal.
I first made this recipe on a busy work night and was amazed at how quickly it came together. Now it’s one of the most requested meals in my house, especially because the sauce is so addictive and easy to tweak with spice level.
Ingredients
- One pound lean ground beef: choose fresh quality lean beef for the best texture and flavor
- Four teaspoons minced ginger: fresh ginger adds a warm spicy undertone
- Six cloves garlic minced: garlic brings a rich aromatic depth
- Half a cup low sodium soy sauce: use low sodium to control saltiness and balance flavor
- Half a cup beef broth: enriches the sauce and adds body
- Quarter cup brown sugar: adds that signature sweet contrast and helps with caramelization
- Six tablespoons hoisin sauce: key for authenticity, it brings a tangy sweetness and depth
- Half teaspoon red pepper flakes: for mild heat, adjust to your preference
- Half teaspoon black pepper: freshly ground tastes best here
- One 12 ounce box linguine noodles: any long pasta works, but linguine holds sauce beautifully
- Four green onions diced for garnish: adds freshness and crunch
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish: provides nutty aroma and visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Ground Beef:
- Cook the ground beef in a medium high-sided skillet over medium-high heat with the minced ginger and garlic. Use the back of a wooden spoon to break the beef up finely. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasy sauce, then return the pan to the heat.
- Prepare the Pasta Water:
- While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously so the noodles absorb flavor as they cook. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta when done.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and hoisin sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine and let it saute for about three minutes so the beef absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained linguine noodles directly to the beef and sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Let it cook together for a couple more minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle diced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving. These toppings add a fresh bite and an irresistible nutty crunch to every forkful.
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I love the texture contrast between the tender meat, silky noodles, and crunchy green onions. One memorable family dinner was when my kids begged for extra sesame seeds because they loved the nutty flavor so much. It’s always fun to see them enjoy something so flavorful and quick.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium heat to keep noodles from drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for gluten-free needs. If you like it spicier, adding fresh chopped chili peppers works wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a fresh vegetable crunch. A crisp cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing pairs nicely to balance the rich noodles.
Cultural Context
This dish takes inspiration from Mongolian beef stir fry but swaps out the classic strips of beef for ground beef and pairs it with noodles for a home-friendly twist. Traditional Mongolian beef features bold sweet and savory sauces which this recipe mimics with its combination of hoisin and soy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of noodles work best?
Linguine noodles are ideal for holding the rich sauce and providing a pleasing texture.
- → How can I adjust the heat level?
Modify the red pepper flakes amount to increase or reduce spiciness to your preference.
- → Can I use other meats instead of beef?
Ground pork or turkey can be substituted, though beef provides a robust flavor that complements the sauce well.
- → Why is it important to salt the pasta water?
Salting pasta water enhances the noodles’ flavor, helping them better absorb the sauce.
- → How do I ensure the sauce thickens properly?
Simmer the sauce with the beef and noodles together for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid and concentrate flavors.