First of all — thank you for being here! If you’ve ever craved that rich, sticky-sweet Mongolian flavor in a simple noodle dish you can make in under 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat.
These Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef are an absolute weeknight game-changer. Ground beef adds richness, hoisin and soy bring the umami, and the noodles? They soak up all that sweet-savory goodness like a dream.
Fast, filling, and full of flavor, this is comfort food with a kick — and bonus: it’s family-approved and perfect for customizing!
Ingredients Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
- Ramen noodles (or any thin noodles) – 2–3 packets or ~6 oz dry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ onion, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
1. Cook the noodles
Prepare noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and sauces
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Thicken the sauce (optional)
If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Toss with noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Drizzle in sesame oil and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Add heat & garnish
Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat, top with chopped onion, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- Noodles: Ramen, lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti all work.
- Hoisin tip: If you’re running low, mix a little soy sauce + honey + peanut butter for a quick substitute.
- Vegetarian option: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground.
Helpful Tips Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
- Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce.
- Don’t skip sesame oil — it adds a signature toasty finish.
- If sauce thickens too much, splash in a tablespoon of warm water to loosen.
- Stir-fry some veggies (like bell peppers, snow peas, or shredded carrots) with the garlic for added texture and nutrients.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Freezer:
Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein swaps: Try ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu.
- Spicy version: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or more red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb option: Serve with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, broccoli, baby spinach, or shredded cabbage stir in beautifully.
Storage Instructions
- Short-term: Airtight container in the fridge (up to 4 days).
- Reheating: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water.
- Freezing: Store in freezer-safe containers for 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh noodles?
Yes! Fresh lo mein or yakisoba noodles are delicious here — just be sure to cook them until just tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild by default, but easily customizable. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil if you like heat.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can make a quick substitute with 2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp peanut butter + a splash of vinegar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but can be made gluten-free using GF soy sauce (like tamari) and GF noodles.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for something fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, this Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef recipe is it. It brings all the comfort of your favorite takeout meal — without the delivery fee, and in half the time.
The sweet-savory sauce, the tender beef, the slurpy noodles… it all comes together in one crave-worthy bite. Trust me — make it once, and it’s going into your permanent dinner rotation.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Sticky Mongolian Meatballs
- Sweet Soy Garlic Ramen Stir Fry
- Spicy Beef & Broccoli Noodles
- Sesame Chicken Rice Bowls
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef
Description
These Savory Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef are an absolute weeknight game-changer. Ground beef adds richness, hoisin and soy bring the umami, and the noodles? They soak up all that sweet-savory goodness like a dream.
Ingredients
Ramen noodles (or any thin noodles) – 2–3 packets or ~6 oz dry
1 lb ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ onion, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar.
If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Drizzle in sesame oil and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Stir in red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat, top with chopped onion, and serve immediately
Notes
Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Noodles: Ramen, lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti all work.
Hoisin tip: If you’re running low, mix a little soy sauce + honey + peanut butter for a quick substitute.
Vegetarian option: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground.
