Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick Asian-Inspired Comfort Classic

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe transforms the beloved flavors of Mongolian beef into an accessible, family-friendly meal. Drawing inspiration from Asian-American cuisine, I’ve created a dish that combines tender ground beef and perfectly cooked linguine in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. This budget-friendly alternative to takeout delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes.

Origins and Inspiration

While traditional Mongolian beef typically uses sliced flank steak, this ground beef adaptation makes the dish more economical and weeknight-friendly. The sauce combines classic Chinese-American flavors with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami elements that coat each strand of pasta perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Noodles and Beef:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• 10 oz (280g) linguine
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2½ tablespoons)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup (67g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
• 1/3 cup (80ml) soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Detailed Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
2. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water
3. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes)
4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining
5. Drain pasta and toss with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking

2. Ground Beef Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until well-browned and no pink remains
4. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor

3. Sauce Development

1. Reduce heat to medium
2. Add minced garlic to the browned beef
3. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn
4. Add brown sugar, stirring until it begins to dissolve
5. Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce
6. Add ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using
7. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly

4. Thickening the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth
2. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet
3. Stir constantly until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes
4. If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon

5. Final Assembly

1. Add cooked linguine to the skillet
2. Toss thoroughly using tongs to coat every strand with sauce
3. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow pasta to absorb flavors
4. Garnish with sliced green onions
5. Serve immediately while hot

Pro Tips for Success

• Ground Beef Selection: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture
• Pasta Choice: While linguine is recommended, any long pasta like spaghetti or lo mein noodles works well
• Sauce Consistency: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be fluid enough to distribute evenly
• Garlic Preparation: Mince garlic fresh rather than using pre-minced for the best flavor
• Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container:

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (though pasta texture may change)
• Reheat: In a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth to restore sauce consistency

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 590
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 1250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 67g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Sugar: 18g

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with tender ground beef and perfectly cooked noodles brought together by a rich, glossy sauce. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish combines the comfort of pasta with the bold flavors of Asian-inspired cuisine, creating a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.