Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and tasty meal! This dish combines tender ground beef with noodles and a mix of colorful veggies, all tossed in a delicious sauce.
It’s quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy nights! I love it served with a sprinkle of green onions on top. It feels like a warm hug on a plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These chewy noodles are perfect for this dish! If you can’t find them, you can substitute with spaghetti or rice noodles. Just cook them until al dente for a nice texture.
Ground Beef: I often use lean ground beef to keep it lighter, but you can also use ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives great umami flavor, but for a gluten-free version, opt for tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is another choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, try mushroom sauce instead for a similar effect. I love the rich flavor it brings!
Green Onions: Fresh green onions are great for garnishing. If you don’t have them, chives can work, or even a bit of diced onion will do in a pinch.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly for This Dish?
Cooking ground beef well is key to your Mongolian noodles turning out great. Here’s how:
- Start with medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the beef.
- Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly browned. Don’t rush this; it helps build flavor.
- If there’s excess fat, drain it carefully before adding spices to avoid greasiness.
- Cooking garlic and ginger after browning enhances their flavors, so be sure to do this for just a minute before adding sauces.
These steps will help you create flavorful ground beef that complements the noodles perfectly!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz. lo mein noodles
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef and noodles, plus a little time for gathering your ingredients. It’s a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are ready, drain them well and set them aside for later. You want them nice and chewy for your dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Spices and Sauces:
Once the beef is cooked through, you may want to drain some excess fat, depending on how much there is. Now, add the minced ginger to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine all the delicious flavors!
4. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked lo mein noodles to your beef mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated evenly in the sauce and beef mixture. This will help the noodles soak up all that yummy flavor!
5. Finish Up:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodle dish and give it another toss to make sure the oil is distributed. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat, and serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just ensure that you cook them thoroughly and adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the different flavors.
What if I Don’t Have Lo Mein Noodles?
No problem! You can use other types of noodles such as spaghetti, rice noodles, or even egg noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions, and they should work perfectly in this dish!
How to Store Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help bring back moisture if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the ginger and ground beef to ensure they’re tender and delicious.
