Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles | Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe

Quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor — this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Made in under 20 minutes, this dish brings bold takeout flavors to your kitchen using ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and noodles.

Whether you're craving savory Asian-inspired comfort food or looking for an easy beef noodle stir fry, this recipe hits every note. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends!

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Takeout Flavor, Pantry Staples
This dish gives you that bold, sticky-sweet Mongolian beef flavor without needing a wok or a trip to the Asian market. Everything — from the soy sauce to the garlic and brown sugar — is probably already in your pantry. It's restaurant flavor, home edition.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Budget-Friendly & Meal-Prep Gold
With just one pound of ground beef and 8 oz of noodles, you can feed a family of four for under $10 — and the leftovers? Even better the next day. It’s one of those rare recipes that saves you time, money, and tastes better with age.

🔍 15 FAQs for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

1. What are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and easy stir-fry dish made with ground beef, noodles, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar. It’s a flavorful, budget-friendly meal inspired by Mongolian beef takeout dishes.

2. How long does it take to make Mongolian beef noodles?
This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

3. Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes! Spaghetti, ramen, rice noodles, or lo mein noodles all work great in this recipe. Use whatever you have on hand.

4. Is this Mongolian noodle dish spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat to your taste or leave them out completely.

5. Can I make Mongolian beef noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be made in advance for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

6. What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Great additions include broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or frozen stir-fry veggie mixes. Stir them in with the beef or add at the end.

7. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of this recipe.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

9. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions.

10. What does Mongolian sauce taste like?
Mongolian sauce is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and loaded with umami thanks to the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger combo.

11. What’s the best soy sauce for this recipe?
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the dish balanced and not overly salty.

12. Can I freeze Mongolian beef noodles?
Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

13. What’s the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 510 calories. Full nutrition info is available on KelvinsKitchen.com.

14. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! Kids love the sweet and savory flavor. Just go easy on the spice if serving little ones.

15. What makes this dish “Mongolian” style?
While not traditional Mongolian cuisine, it’s inspired by the American takeout version of Mongolian beef — typically sweet, garlicky, and rich in umami flavors.

Make it

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 8 oz noodles (lo mein, ramen, or spaghetti)

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any neutral oil)

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional but recommended)

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • 3 green onions, sliced

  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.

  3. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour into the skillet.

  5. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  6. Toss in the cooked noodles and stir well to coat.

  7. Turn off the heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Estimated based on 4 servings

  • Calories: 510

  • Protein: 27g

  • Carbohydrates: 46g

  • Sugars: 12g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

  • Cholesterol: 80mg

  • Sodium: 1050mg

  • Fiber: 2g

Want to elevate dinner in under 30 minutes? This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe delivers big flavor with pantry staples. For more easy weeknight hits, bookmark KelvinsKitchen.com — your go-to for quick, comforting recipes made with love.

🔥 Pro Tips:

  • Add a bag of stir fry veggies or broccoli for a one-pan meal.

  • If you like it spicy, drizzle some chili oil or sriracha at the end.

  • Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a twist.

Explore More Tasty Recipes

Must-Try Recipes

Dive Into More Deliciousness

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Recipe Collection for endless culinary adventures.