Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are my go-to when I want bold flavor fast. The sauce is rich, the noodles are comforting, and everything comes together in one skillet. They’re better than takeout any day of the week!

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A black bowl filled with stir-fried noodles and beef, garnished with chopped green onions, with chopsticks lifting noodles and additional bowls in the background.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy dinner is on repeat at my house for a reason. Here’s why I love it so much:

Fast, Easy, and Satisfying: I can get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, which makes this perfect for busy nights. It’s warm, flavorful, and seriously hits the spot, a lot like these Korean Ground Beef Bowls.
The Sauce Is Next-Level: The mix of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar is rich, sweet, and savory all at once. Sometimes I add oyster sauce for extra depth, and it makes the whole dish feel more special.
Endlessly Adaptable: I love how easy it is to throw in extra veggies. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even snap peas blend right in. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge and still end up with something delicious.
Budget-Friendly but Crave-Worthy: With just ground beef and some pantry staples, this feels like a fancy takeout dinner without the price tag. I often make a double batch so we have tasty leftovers for lunch.

Close-up of stir-fried noodles with ground beef, chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and wooden chopsticks.

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Ingredients

Ground Beef – Lean ground beef makes this dish hearty and satisfying. It cooks quickly and soaks up all the bold Mongolian-style flavors.
Noodles – Use lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen noodles. They provide the perfect chewy texture and carry the savory sauce in every bite.
Garlic and Ginger – These two aromatics create a fragrant, flavorful base that gives the dish its signature warmth and depth.
Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, and Brown Sugar – This trio creates a perfect sweet and salty balance. The soy sauce adds saltiness, hoisin adds richness, and brown sugar gives it a subtle sweetness.
Oyster Sauce – Optional but highly recommended, this adds a deep umami flavor that makes the sauce taste restaurant-quality.
Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch gives the dish a gentle heat. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Cornstarch Slurry – A mix of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce so it coats the noodles and beef beautifully.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds – Sliced green onions add a fresh finish, while sesame seeds offer a light nutty crunch as garnish.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

A white bowl filled with a dark liquid sauce containing small flecks, placed on a light marble surface.

Cooked ground beef in a white frying pan with a gold handle on a marble countertop.

Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and set both aside.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

A red-handled pot filled with cooked plain ramen noodles sits on a white marble surface.

A white skillet with cooked ground beef and noodles in a dark sauce, placed on a marble countertop.

Boil the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Toss and cook: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir to coat. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked noodles and toss until evenly coated and heated through.
Garnish and serve: Stir in sliced green onions. Plate hot and garnish with sesame seeds and more green onions if desired.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

A white skillet with cooked noodles, ground meat, green onions, and sesame seeds on a marble surface.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce, gluten-free hoisin, and gluten-free noodles to keep everything safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra color and nutrition, stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, baby spinach, or snap peas during the sauté step. They cook quickly and add great texture.
Protein Swap: Ground beef gives this dish great flavor, but ground turkey, chicken, or pork are all excellent substitutes. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.

A black bowl of stir-fried noodles with ground meat, garnished with chopped green onions, sits beside a skillet of the same dish and small plates of chili flakes, green onions, and sesame seeds.

What to Serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Main Dishes

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles make an easy weeknight meal on their own, but they also pair well with starters like chicken potstickers or crispy spring rolls for a takeout-style dinner at home.
For a heartier spread, serve them alongside Honey Sesame Chicken or Instant Pot White Chicken Chili for a fun family-style dinner night.

Side Dishes

Add some color and crunch with sides like Air Fryer Carrots or Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables.
A light Asian Cucumber Salad or Asian Salad also balances the rich, savory sauce perfectly.

A black bowl filled with stir-fried noodles and beef, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, with chopsticks resting on the bowl.

FAQs

What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?

Lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen noodles all work well. Choose whatever you have on hand. Just be sure to cook them until al dente and drain before tossing with the beef.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes give it a mild kick. You can leave them out if you prefer it mild or add more if you like extra heat.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Shredded carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers make great additions. Toss them in after the garlic and ginger so they stay crisp-tender.

How long do leftovers keep?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

A close-up of a bowl of beef stir fry noodles garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, with wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl.

More Beef Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Spicy Beef Tartare – Spicy Beef Tartare is a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen! This unique twist on traditional French-style recipes features sirloin steak, Calabrian chilies, capers, grainy mustard, and a hot aioli.
Spicy Beef Noodles – This Spicy Beef Noodles recipe features savory ground beef and wonton wrapper noodles tossed in a homemade sauce made from ginger, soy sauce, sambal oelek, hoisin, and garlic.
Vodka Sauce with Ground Beef – Turn to Vodka Sauce with Ground Beef whenever you need a comforting family dinner. It’s easy to make and a meaty and satisfying meal with dynamic flavors.
One Pot Beef Stroganoff Recipe – Need a quick weeknight dinner? This Beef Stroganoff Recipe is ready in 30 minutes and tastes ultra comforting. Made with seared steak strips and a luscious Greek yogurt and mushroom sauce.

If you try this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!