Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers the bold, umami-rich flavors of takeout noodles in under 40 minutes. The combination of ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatics creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. I find it to be a comforting meal that’s both simple to prepare and easy to customize with whatever vegetables I have on hand. It’s one of those dishes that always feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly on a weeknight.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces egg noodles
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
2 cups green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ cup beef broth
to taste salt and pepper

Directions

1. I begin by boiling the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, I drain them and set them aside.

2. In a large skillet or wok, I heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

4. I stir in the diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.

5. Next, I add the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and ground ginger. I stir everything together and let it cook for another 3 minutes.

6. In a small bowl, I whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.

7. I pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables, stirring to combine. I cook for about 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables evenly.

8. I add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss them with the sauce and beef mixture until everything is well combined. I let it heat through for about 2 minutes.

9. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 20 minutes, and total time is 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince for a lighter option. When I want extra vegetables, I toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded carrots. For more heat, I add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha. If I prefer a richer sauce, I double the soy sauce and beef broth or stir in a little hoisin sauce for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The noodles can also be reheated in the microwave, but I stir halfway through to heat evenly. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing since the noodles can become too soft when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, I’ve made this recipe with ramen, udon, or spaghetti, and they all work well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

I add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce for extra kick.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.

What vegetables go well in this recipe?

I love adding broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots for more color and texture.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Absolutely. I often use it to control the saltiness of the dish.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

I mix a little extra cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while it simmers.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, I make the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance, then cook everything fresh when I’m ready to serve.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

I toss them lightly with a bit of oil after draining if I’m not adding them to the sauce right away.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

I sometimes substitute honey or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild, flavorful, and easy for kids to enjoy—especially if I skip the spice.

Conclusion

I love how Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. The savory sauce, tender beef, and chewy noodles come together for a comforting, satisfying dinner that’s both quick and customizable. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something hearty, flavorful, and ready in less time than takeout.