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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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → 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.