Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Pinch of red pepper flakes, or to taste; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 8 oz ramen noodles; Sliced green onions, for serving; Sesame seeds, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic Mongolian beef. By using ground beef instead of sliced steak, this dish becomes a budget-friendly, one-pan meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. With its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce coating tender ramen noodles, it’s a comforting dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ground beef and ramen noodles soaks up the rich Mongolian-style sauce, packed with umami from soy and hoisin, balanced by brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. It’s a hearty, filling meal the whole family will love—and it all comes together in one skillet and one pot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup hoisin sauce
½ cup beef broth
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
8 oz ramen noodles
Sliced green onions, for serving
Sesame seeds, for serving

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the noodles, but don’t add the noodles just yet.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and ground ginger to the beef and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Once the water is boiling, add the ramen noodles and cook according to package directions. Do not overcook. Drain and set aside.
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss everything together with tongs until the noodles are fully coated and combined with the beef.

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicier Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for more heat.
Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.

Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles in place of ramen.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles if needed.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of water or broth if the noodles have absorbed too much sauce.

To freeze: It’s best to freeze the ground beef and sauce separately from the noodles. Thaw and reheat before combining with freshly cooked noodles.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can use udon, lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in place of ramen.

Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly spicy. You can control the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead, then combine with freshly cooked noodles just before serving.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute it with oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled—just use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Broccoli, snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms all pair nicely with the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s savory and sweet without being too spicy, and kids usually love the noodles.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?

Yes, use about 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger in place of the ground ginger.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook the noodles just until al dente and toss them in immediately with the sauce and beef. Avoid overcooking.

What’s the best beef to use?

Use lean ground beef (85–90%) for the best texture and to avoid excess grease in the sauce.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fast, flavorful way to satisfy your cravings for takeout at home. With savory beef, slurpable noodles, and a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, it’s a simple dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Keep this easy one-pan recipe in your dinner rotation—it’s sure to become a family favorite.