Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles – When I think of a dinner that’s both easy and delicious, this Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is always at the top of my list! It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Even when my youngest was a picky eater, he adored this dish, so it’s been a family favorite for years. You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand—they’re common pantry staples. And if you’re missing something, there are easy substitutions you can make. What’s not to love?

This Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe is sweet, spicy, and ideal for hectic weeknights. You can whip it up in 30 minutes or less, and it’s even better than takeout.

As a fan of Chinese takeout, Mongolian Beef with Noodles has always been a go-to for me. Traditionally, it’s made with thinly sliced flank steak, cornstarch for that crispy beef texture, soy sauce, and ramen noodles. But this version is a healthier twist, using ground beef, gluten-free or cassava spaghetti, broccoli, and a sauce made from coconut aminos and coconut sugar. It’s gluten-free, paleo, and can even be adapted for AIP diets!

Pasta holds a special place in my heart, and lately, I’ve been craving Asian-inspired flavors. That led me to create these quick and easy Mongolian Beef Noodles. This dish has become a weeknight favorite in our home because it’s so simple to make and incredibly delicious.

This recipe is inspired by PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef, featuring a sweet soy glaze, garlic, and green onions. Instead of using flank steak, I opted for lean ground beef, which works perfectly to satisfy your cravings for quick and flavorful Asian/Chinese cuisine. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is a quick, budget-friendly dinner packed with bold flavors! The savory-sweet sauce perfectly coats the tender noodles and juicy ground beef, making every bite irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize it with veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking. Comfort food at its finest!

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Deliciously Saucy: A savory-sweet sauce coats every bite, satisfying your cravings.
• Customizable: Add veggies, adjust the spice, or swap noodles for rice—make it your own!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting, flavorful dish.
• Minimal Cleanup: Made in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles

1. Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta, cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
2. Ground Beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein.
3. Minced Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its aromatic touch.
4. Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy depth.
5. Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami richness.
6. Brown Sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness.
7. Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat (adjust to your spice preference).
8. Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy glaze-like flavor.
9. Black Pepper: For subtle seasoning.
10. Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the pasta beautifully.
11. Green Onions: Optional garnish for freshness and color.
12. Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch if desired.

How To Make This

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Pack it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above for a quick and satisfying meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• Noodle Options: Use rice noodles, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Sub beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
• Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
• Sweetener Choice: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh ginger for extra heat and flavor.

Savory Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

No Ratings

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 12 oz Linguine Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine also work well)
• 2 cups Pasta Water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
• 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste (or 1 tsp dried ginger)
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a slight hint of spice)
• 3 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (BBQ sauce can be used as a substitute, though I've never tried it)
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Cold Water
• 2-3 Green Onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1-2 tsp Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Stir in the ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, hoisin sauce, and black pepper.

Combine the cold water and cornstarch, then stir it into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir well until everything is evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency (you might need an additional 1/2 cup).

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!