Can I use a different type of noodle instead of linguine?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Absolutely! Use lean ground beef or swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat option. You can also reduce the brown sugar and use a low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on sodium.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy for more texture and flavor.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Description

This quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a perfect weeknight dinner made in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a savory-sweet sauce, this easy meal pairs perfectly with linguine or your favorite noodles. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that brings bold flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy cooks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup beef broth
⅓ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
10 oz linguine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Add the Garlic and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together until well combined.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

For extra vegetables, add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
Make it spicier by increasing red pepper flakes or adding sriracha.
Swap the protein by using ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp for a different twist.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and swap linguine for rice noodles or zucchini noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 80mg