Craving takeout but short on time? These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are the answer. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe combines budget-friendly ground beef with ramen noodles in a savory, sweet, and sticky soy-ginger glaze. It packs a mild heat from chili flakes that is perfectly balanced by brown sugar. It’s a flavor bomb that is faster, fresher, and healthier than anything you can order.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
20-Minute Meal
This is the ultimate speed dinner. While the noodles boil, you cook the beef and whisk the sauce. Toss it all together, and you’re done. It uses pantry staples like soy sauce and ginger, so there’s no need for a special grocery run.
The Sticky Sauce
The sauce is what makes this dish shine. It’s a simple mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. When it hits the hot pan with the beef, it thickens into a glossy glaze that coats every noodle. It’s savory, salty, and just sweet enough to be addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning)
- 0.33 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Boil noodles and drain.
- Whisk soy sauce, sugar, water, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Brown beef in skillet. Drain. Add garlic.
- Pour in sauce and simmer to thicken.
- Toss in noodles and green onions. Serve.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Quick cooking and flavorful.
Ramen Noodles: Discard the seasoning packet; you just need the curly noodles.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium is best to control the salt.
Brown Sugar: Provides the signature Mongolian beef sweetness and caramelization.
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best for the aromatic punch.
Green Onions: Adds freshness and crunch.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat.
Smart Substitutions
Ground chicken, pork, or turkey works perfectly. You can use spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles if you don’t have ramen. To add veggies, stir-fry broccoli florets or snap peas with the beef. For a gluten-free version, use Tamari and rice noodles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Boil a pot of water. Whisk the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, cornstarch, chili flakes) in a small bowl. Mince garlic. Chop green onions.
Cooking Phase
Cook the noodles according to package directions (usually 3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
While water boils, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Let it bubble and simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens and coats the beef.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss well to coat the noodles in the sauce and beef mixture.
Stir in the green onions. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t overcook the noodles! Since they are thin, they cook fast. Drain them when they still have a bite, as they will soften more when tossed in the hot sauce. The cornstarch in the sauce is essential—it turns the thin liquid into a glaze that sticks to the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the ginger. The ginger is what gives “Mongolian” beef its distinct flavor profile. Fresh grated ginger is best, but a paste works too.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 15g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onion tops.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with steamed edamame or cucumber salad. If you are a fan of savory beef noodle dishes, check out our Beef and Noodles (Savory & Rich) for a creamy American version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make it spicy?
Yes, double the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha to the sauce.
Q2? Can I meal prep this?
Yes, it reheats well. Add a teaspoon of water when microwaving to loosen the noodles.
Q3? Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey works great and adds a nice floral sweetness.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a flavor-packed, budget-friendly meal that comes together in a flash. It’s better than takeout and ready in half the time.
