A quick and easy recipe for 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef, featuring tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is flavorful, budget-friendly, and customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for hectic schedules.
Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customizable: Swap out the protein, adjust the spice level, or add veggies for endless variations.
Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and garlic delivers a savory, slightly sweet punch that’s irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its balanced flavors, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
8 oz ramen noodles (or any thin noodles)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Directions
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Combine Everything:
Add minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the beef. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Toss with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve:
Transfer the noodles to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives.
Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef.
Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free noodles and tamari in place of soy sauce.
Spicier Flavor: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the noodles and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While ramen works well, you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
How do I make this dish less sweet?
Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce or omit it entirely for a less sweet profile.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
Try substituting oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or peanut butter for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I recommend cooking the noodles and sauce separately if preparing ahead. Combine and heat everything just before serving for the best texture.
What garnish options work besides green onions?
Cilantro, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts make excellent garnishes.
Conclusion
This 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re craving bold flavors in a hurry. It’s quick, versatile, and satisfying, making it a go-to dish that I’m sure will find a regular spot on your meal rotation. Try it once, and it’ll become a family favorite.
📖 Recipe:
Print15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A quick and easy recipe for 15-Minute Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef, featuring tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is flavorful, budget-friendly, and customizable.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
8 oz ramen noodles (or any thin noodles)
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Combine: Add minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat. If desired, add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
- Toss Noodles: Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Swap ground beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for variety.
Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar.
Add veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari for a gluten-free option.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving