Name: 15 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
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 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 10 oz linguine; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water (cold, for cornstarch slurry); 4 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

This 15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe combines tender linguine with savory ground beef, a rich soy-based sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Enhanced by garlic, hoisin, and optional red pepper flakes, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors with just a touch of heat. Topped with fresh green onions, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of takeout, made fresh in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love It:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.
Family-Friendly: The mild, savory flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike, and you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and pantry staples makes this dish an affordable yet satisfying dinner option.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. If using a fattier beef, be sure to drain the fat after browning.
Pasta: Linguine works well for this recipe, but you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles for a twist.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds a slightly sweet and savory depth to the sauce. If you don’t have hoisin, oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey can work in a pinch.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Feel free to add more for extra brightness.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles

Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: Add 10 oz of linguine to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Beef and Sauce

Brown the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned.
Drain any excess fat.

Add Garlic:
Stir in 5 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Add the following to the skillet:
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 black pepper
(Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat)
Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until dissolved.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously.
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it thicken, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add Noodles:
Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce and beef mixture.
Toss the noodles until they are evenly coated in the sauce and combined with the beef.

Let Sit:
Allow the noodles to sit in the skillet for 2-3 minutes to absorb more flavor.

4. Garnish and Serve

Garnish: Sprinkle the dish with 4 sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Serve Hot: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.

Serving Suggestions:

These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with simple sides:

Vegetables: Serve with a side of stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a touch of greenery.
Salad: A light cucumber salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the noodles.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings: Pair with crispy egg rolls or steamed dumplings for a takeout-style feast.
Rice Substitute: Swap the noodles for steamed rice if you prefer a traditional Mongolian beef experience.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
Freezing: While the noodles are best fresh, you can freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a bolder, spicier flavor.
Extra Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, shredded carrots, or baby spinach for added nutrients.
Sweet and Tangy: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of honey for a slightly tangy or sweeter twist.
Different Proteins: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork for a lighter or slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion:

These 15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With tender noodles, savory-sweet beef, and a rich sauce that coats every bite, this dish is a guaranteed hit for the whole family.

Whether you’re craving takeout-style flavors or need a quick recipe to whip up after a long day, this one-skillet wonder has you covered. Customize it to your liking, pair it with simple sides, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal in no time.