Quick Mongolian Ground Beef with Linguine - A 30-Minute Family Dinner

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

This crowd-pleasing Mongolian ground beef noodles brings the flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen. Ground beef and linguine come together in a rich, slightly sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, and brown sugar. Perfect for busy families looking for a quick but satisfying meal.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:07 GMT
A close-up of a dish featuring cooked noodles topped with ground meat and garnished with green onions. Save
A close-up of a dish featuring cooked noodles topped with ground meat and garnished with green onions. | kitchenscroll.com

The Most Amazing 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Noodles

Last night I whipped up these incredible Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles and my family literally licked their plates clean. The tender beef soaks up this gorgeous Asian-inspired sauce and the noodles just bring everything together perfectly. Trust me when I say this is going to become your new go-to dinner because it takes just 30 minutes and tastes like something from your favorite takeout spot.

A Busy Mom's Dream Dinner

This dish seriously saves me on those crazy weeknights when I need something delicious and fast. The savory sauce with its perfect blend of soy, hoisin and garlic creates such amazing flavors that my kids actually ask for seconds. I love that I can adjust the spice level and still keep all the wonderful taste that makes this dish so special.

What You'll Need for This Recipe

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb lean ground beef will give you the best texture.
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced fresh garlic makes all the difference.
  • Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup to create that perfect sweet balance.
  • Beef Broth: 1/4 cup for extra richness.
  • Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup brings that classic Asian flavor.
  • Hoisin Sauce: 3 tablespoons for depth and sweetness.
  • Ground Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon adds such lovely warmth.
  • Ground Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon because fresh pepper matters.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch if you want some heat.
  • Linguine: 10 oz cooked perfectly al dente.
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to thicken our sauce.
  • Water: 2 tablespoons for mixing with cornstarch.
  • Green Onions: 4 sliced for that fresh finish.

Let's Make It Together

Cook the Pasta
Get your linguine going according to the package directions. Once done drain it and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
Take your large skillet heat it up over medium and cook that ground beef until nicely browned. Drain off any extra fat.
Add Aromatics and Sauces
Throw in your minced garlic with the beef and let it get fragrant. Now add your brown sugar beef broth soy sauce hoisin sauce ginger black pepper and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer and get friendly.
Thicken the Sauce
Mix your cornstarch with water and pour it in. Give everything a good stir until your sauce thickens up beautifully.
Combine with Noodles
Time to add those cooked noodles. Toss everything together until each strand is coated in that amazing sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle those fresh green onions on top and dinner is served.
A close-up view of a bowl of noodles topped with ground meat and green onions. Save
A close-up view of a bowl of noodles topped with ground meat and green onions. | kitchenscroll.com

Complete Your Meal

This dish pairs beautifully with some simple steamed broccoli or a quick Asian slaw. Sometimes I just serve it on its own because honestly it's satisfying enough by itself. My family loves having the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Prep Ahead Tips From My Kitchen

I often make extra sauce when I have time and keep it in my fridge for up to 2 days. The beef mixture freezes beautifully so I usually double the recipe and stash half in the freezer for those extra busy nights.

Your Questions Answered

Feel free to swap in your favorite noodles spaghetti works great and so do rice noodles. My kids prefer it without the spice so I often skip the red pepper flakes but my husband adds extra to his portion. Store any leftovers in a container in your fridge they'll stay good for 3 days. Just pop them in the microwave or warm them up in a pan.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other noodles like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles. The sauce works well with any type of pasta, though Asian-style noodles give it a more authentic taste.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add more red pepper flakes or include sriracha sauce in the mix. Fresh chopped chilies or chili paste like sambal oelek would also work well for extra heat.

→ Can I meal prep this recipe?

This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making it perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work great in this recipe. You can steam them separately or stir-fry them with the beef for added nutrition and texture.

→ Is there a way to make this healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. Consider reducing the brown sugar and using whole wheat pasta for a healthier version that still tastes great.

Mongolian Beef Noodles

A quick Asian-inspired dinner combining ground beef, linguine, and a rich brown sugar-soy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Ideal for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Asian

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: No Dairy

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 1 pound ground beef.
Contains 02 items 5 cloves garlic, minced.
Contains 03 items 1/3 cup brown sugar.
Contains 04 items 1/4 cup beef broth.
Contains 05 items 1/3 cup soy sauce.
Contains 06 items 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce.
Contains 07 items 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
Contains 08 items 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Contains 09 items Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
Contains 10 items 10 ounces linguine.
Contains 11 items 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Contains 12 items 2 tablespoons water.
Contains 13 items 4 green onions, sliced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Cook linguine following package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

Step 03

Add minced garlic to beef, cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Mix in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 05

Make cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add to skillet.

Step 06

Cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 07

Add cooked linguine, toss until well coated.

Step 08

Top with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Important Tips

  1. A quick Asian-inspired dinner that's ready in 30 minutes. The sauce combines sweet and savory flavors that coat the noodles perfectly. Great for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet.
  • Large pot.
  • Colander.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Soy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 520
  • Fat Amount: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Protein Amount: 25 g