If you’re craving a savory, satisfying dish that comes together in no time, look no further than Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. This recipe combines tender ground beef, fragrant garlic, and a rich blend of sauces to create a flavorful coating for every strand of linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the simple steps that make this dish so irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the beef mixture and let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the flavorful sauce. Let the noodles simmer for a few more minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Hot: For the best taste, serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately while they’re hot.
- Garnish for Appeal: Enhance the presentation by adding freshly sliced green onions before serving.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or Asian appetizers like egg rolls for a complete meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Portion leftovers into containers for easy meals throughout the week.
- Freezing Option: Freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Spicy Kick: Boost the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or flank steak instead of ground beef for different flavors.
- Vegetable Boost: Add Asian-inspired vegetables such as bok choy, water chestnuts, or shiitake mushrooms for a nutritious twist.
- Sesame Oil Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Coconut Curry: Add coconut milk and curry paste to create a creamy, flavorful fusion dish.
- Teriyaki Twist: Swap the hoisin sauce for teriyaki sauce and add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos or tamari if you’re avoiding soy.
FAQs:
- Can I use other noodles? Yes! Feel free to swap linguine for any noodle type you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles.
- Can I make this dish ahead? Yes! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for later. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Can I use a different meat? Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork work just as well.
- How can I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer less sweetness, use less brown sugar or experiment with your preferred sweetener.
- Can this dish be made gluten-free? Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is not just quick and easy—it’s packed with bold, savory flavors that’ll have your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a go-to for satisfying meals. Grab your ingredients and get cooking!