I absolutely love this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe because it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl but packs a big flavor punch. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze when you want something hearty yet fresh. Plus, the beautiful combo of tender noodles, savory beef, and crisp veggies always has my family coming back for seconds.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to customize with whatever vegetables I had on hand, and you’ll find that the rich, slightly sweet sauce just pulls everything together perfectly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just whipping up something satisfying after work, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe is definitely worth having in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The sweet and savory Mongolian-style sauce makes every bite deliciously addictive.
- Flexible & Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or noodles to suit your taste.
- Family Friendly: My crew goes crazy for this dish — it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here come together to balance fresh, savory, and slightly sweet flavors that make this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe shine. Grab good quality ground beef and fresh veggies, and don’t skip reserving some pasta water—it’ll help your sauce coat the noodles beautifully.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely color when sautéed.
- Zucchini: Its mild flavor and tender texture pair perfectly with beef.
- Broccoli Florets: Gives a nice crunch and vibrant green pop to the dish.
- Bell Pepper: Sweet and slightly crisp, it brings brightness and color.
- Olive Oil: Your cooking base for sautéing veggies and beef without overpowering flavors.
- Ground Beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
- Garlic Cloves: For bold, aromatic depth in every bite.
- Spaghetti (or long pasta): A great stand-in for traditional lo mein, with the perfect bite.
- Soy Sauce: The salty backbone of the Mongolian-style sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Adds essential sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Hoisin Sauce: Boosts the umami and gives the sauce complexity.
- Ginger Paste: Fresh zing that livens up the flavors.
- Black Pepper: A little spice to enhance, not overpower.
- Red Chili Crisp or Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but I love the kick it gives.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (optional): For garnish that adds freshness and a subtle crunch.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or a little lighter, there’s a way to tweak it so it feels just right for you.
- Swap Proteins: I’ve had success swapping ground turkey or chicken for beef when I wanted something leaner.
- Go Veggie-Only: Try tofu or mushrooms in place of meat for a great vegetarian twist — my friends loved it!
- Add Heat: I often add extra chili crisp or fresh sliced chilies if we’re craving a bit more spice.
- Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to use carrots, snap peas, or even baby corn based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies to Crisp-Tender Perfection
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the red onion, zucchini, broccoli, and bell pepper. Season lightly with salt and pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies soften but still keep a nice crispness—that crunch adds so much to the final dish. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside so they don’t overcook later.
Step 2: Cook Your Noodles Just Right
While the veggies are cooking, boil your spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions. Don’t forget to save between half a cup to a cup of that pasta water before draining — this starchy water is key for loosening up the sauce later and helping it cling to every strand of noodle.
Step 3: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Mongolian Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, black pepper, chili crisp (if using), and cornstarch until smooth. This mix is where the magic happens—the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and just enough heat.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef with Garlic
Return your skillet to medium-high heat and add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula, and once browned, carefully drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting oily.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Now, add your cooked veggies back into the skillet along with the noodles, sauce, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is coated evenly. This last step is where the flavors really marry and your noodles absorb all that savory goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty contrast. Serve immediate and watch how quickly this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe disappears from the table!
Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: I always keep the veggies crisp-tender to add texture; overcooked ones get mushy and dull the dish.
- Reserve the Pasta Water: This little trick helps loosen the sauce without watering down the flavors.
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: Removing excess fat from the beef keeps the final dish from getting greasy, making it taste cleaner and fresher.
- Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger: Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference compared to powders or pre-minced versions.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—it adds freshness and a little crunch that elevates every forkful. Sometimes, I add a few chili flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil to punch up the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
To keep things simple, I usually serve this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe on its own, but if you want something on the side, a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed dumplings complement it wonderfully. A light miso soup also pairs well if you’re turning this into a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for an extra pop of flavor and color. You can also drizzle a little extra sauce over the top and place a few edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe keeps well for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I don’t usually freeze this dish because the noodles sometimes change texture, but if you want to, freeze the beef and veggies sauce mix separately from the noodles and combine fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, so the noodles don’t dry out. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps prevent hot spots.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great and mimics traditional lo mein noodles, you can use linguini, fettucine, or even lo mein noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.
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How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it milder?
The recipe includes optional red chili crisp or flakes for heat, but you can easily omit or reduce that for a milder dish. I usually add spice according to family preference, so feel free to customize the heat level.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch added to the sauce mixture helps thicken it nicely as it cooks. Make sure to whisk it well with the other sauce ingredients before adding to the skillet and cook the sauce on low heat to allow it to thicken without burning.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version. You can sauté them with the garlic just like the beef, and the sauce will keep the flavors rich and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe is one of those meals that’s quick, flavorful, and pretty much guaranteed to please whoever you’re cooking for. I love how the fresh veggies balance the rich beef and sweet-savory sauce—it’s comfort food with a fresh twist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your dinner lineup for good, just like I did.
PrintMongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Mongolian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles with Vegetables recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make stir fry combining tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and long noodles coated in a sweet and savory Mongolian-style sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a delightful balance of protein, veggies, and satisfying noodles with a hint of heat and gingery goodness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced into strips or bite-sized chunks
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6-7 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti or any long pasta (linguini, fettucine, or lo mein noodles)
- 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red chili crisp in oil or red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion, zucchini, broccoli florets, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ to 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger paste, black pepper, red chili crisp or red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Brown the ground beef: Using the same large skillet, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Combine everything: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Add the cooked pasta and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Add reserved pasta water gradually to help loosen the sauce and coat the noodles evenly.
- Finish cooking: Toss everything together over low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Mongolian ground beef and noodles with vegetables!
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with any long noodle such as linguini, fettucine, or lo mein noodles.
- The red chili crisp or red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting the sauce consistency and helps it cling to noodles better.
- For a lower-fat version, use extra lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg