This one-pan Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe is a game-changer for busy nights! Featuring tender noodles, stir-fried veggies, and a rich sweet-savory sauce, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Plus, it’s quick to make and easy to clean up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Less mess, less cleanup.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Rich & Flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples.
- Versatile – Easily customize with different veggies and protein options.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Cooking Essentials:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Directions
- Cook the Noodles – Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Veggies – Add garlic, bell peppers, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch slurry.
- Combine Everything – Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Stir in the cooked noodles and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer & Serve – Let the noodles simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in sesame oil and green onions. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap ground beef for tofu or mushrooms.
- Different Proteins – Try ground chicken, turkey, or thinly sliced beef instead of ground beef.
- Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of lo mein.
- Extra Crunch – Top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Lo mein, spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles all work well.
2. What vegetables can I add?
Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are great additions.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the sauce separately and mix before reheating.
4. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
5. Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes! Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of regular pasta.
6. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, honey, and a bit of peanut butter can mimic hoisin sauce.
7. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level to make it more kid-friendly.
8. Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes! Just toss them in at the end and heat through.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with egg rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad.
10. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Toss them in a little sesame oil after cooking to keep them from clumping.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich umami sauce and tender beef, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade takeout-style dish!
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan Mongolian beef noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, stir-fried veggies, and tender noodles tossed in a rich, sweet-savory Mongolian sauce, this easy meal is ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: Add garlic, ginger, and onions to the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Toss in bell pepper and shredded carrots, cooking until slightly tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Combine Everything: Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef and veggies. Stir well, then add the cooked noodles, tossing everything together until fully coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or tofu for a variation.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
