Dinner

Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe

Name: Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 10 ounces udon noodles; 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons); ½ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup water

ByElena Hart February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

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Introduction

This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with savory soy-based sauce and chewy udon noodles, it’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of Asian-inspired comfort food at home.

A large round black pan filled with cooked spaghetti noodles mixed with ground meat pieces and small green onion slices, showing a slightly oily texture with a light brown sauce coating the noodles and meat. Two wooden spoons are partially placed in the pan, partly hidden under the noodles, adding a warm natural wood tone. Small bowls with chopped green onions and red chili flakes sit at the upper edge of the frame on a white marbled surface, creating a clean, bright contrast to the dark pan. The scene is well-lit, focusing on the texture and color of the noodles and meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
10 ounces udon noodles

4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
½ cup soy sauce

¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup beef broth

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons ginger paste or grated ginger
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup water

Instructions

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

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until mostly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: While the beef cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef and continue cooking to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour this slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers or snow peas during the beef cooking step for added crunch and color.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level or omit if you prefer a milder dish.

If you can’t find udon noodles, thick spaghetti or ramen noodles make good substitutes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving to preserve the noodle texture.

How to Serve

A large deep bowl filled with a single layer of cooked noodles mixed evenly with browned ground meat, giving a mix of light beige and brown colors, sprinkled with chopped green onions and small red chili flakes scattered throughout. Black chopsticks are picking up a twisted portion of noodles from the lower right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small bowls of chopped green onions and chili flakes nearby in the upper right background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store separately from the noodles. Combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure noodles are gluten-free as well.