Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines savory ground beef with a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, all tossed together with tender linguine noodles. The flavors are inspired by traditional Mongolian beef, but this version is easier to make and budget-friendly, using ground beef instead of steak.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: This forms the base of the dish, providing a rich and flavorful protein.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a sweet balance to the savory and salty flavors.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce: Soy sauce provides the salty, umami base of the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce adds a rich, slightly sweet and tangy flavor, making the sauce more complex.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Ground ginger adds warmth and a subtle spiciness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other flavors.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick): For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes add a nice touch of spiciness.
- 10 oz linguine: Linguine noodles are the perfect base for this dish, holding the sauce well and providing a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to the noodles.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry that thickens the sauce.
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish: Green onions add a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color to the dish.
Instructions:
- Cook the Linguine:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine the Sauce with the Beef:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef and garlic in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is fully coated with the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and should cling well to the beef.
- Add the Linguine:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet. Use tongs or a large fork to toss the noodles with the beef and sauce, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up some of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with sliced green onions, which add a fresh and slightly sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately. The dish is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Tips for Success:
- Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. You can start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste.
- Noodle Substitutions: If you don’t have linguine on hand, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding some sautéed or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish. They will add both color and nutrition.
- Storing Leftovers: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the sauce and the familiar flavor of noodles make this a hit with kids.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of sweetness, spice, and even add in vegetables to suit your preferences.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a fantastic dish that brings together the rich flavors of Mongolian beef in a more accessible, budget-friendly form. The tender noodles soak up the delicious sauce, and the savory beef provides a satisfying, hearty meal. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation, especially when you need something quick, tasty, and comforting.
