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Let me share my favorite weeknight dinner hack Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. I came up with this quick version of the takeout classic when I was craving Chinese food but didn't want to wait for delivery. Now my family begs for these savory noodles loaded with ground beef and that amazing sweet-salty sauce.
Why You Need This Recipe
Trust me this dish is a game changer. It's got all those takeout flavors you love but comes together in just 15 minutes. Plus it's so much cheaper than ordering out and you probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now.
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: 1 pound lean works best.
- Linguine: 8 ounces regular noodles work great.
- Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup gives that salty punch.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup for that sweet balance.
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup adds extra flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves fresh minced please.
- Red Chile Flakes: Just a pinch if you like heat.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to thicken.
- Green Onions: For that fresh finish.
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Let's Get Cooking
- Start With Pasta
- Get those noodles going in salty water save some pasta water before draining.
- Cook That Beef
- Brown your ground beef in a big skillet drain off the extra fat.
- Make It Saucy
- Throw in garlic soy sauce broth sugar and spices let it all simmer together.
- Thicken It Up
- Mix cornstarch with water add to the pan watch it get glossy.
- Bring It Together
- Toss in those noodles add pasta water if needed top with green onions.
My Best Tips
Always use fresh garlic it makes such a difference. Play with the spice level to suit your taste. And don't skip that cornstarch slurry it gives you that perfect takeout style sauce.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use ground turkey for a lighter version or tofu for my vegetarian friends. Feel free to swap in rice noodles or even zucchini noodles if you're watching carbs. Throw in whatever veggies you have in the fridge broccoli and peppers work great.
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Perfect Pairings
We love serving this with steamed broccoli on the side. Sometimes I whip up a quick Asian slaw or grab some spring rolls from the store. My kids actually eat their vegetables when served alongside these noodles.
Save Some For Later
These noodles keep great in the fridge for about 3 days. Just add a splash of beef broth when reheating to bring back that saucy goodness. The flavors actually get better overnight.
Make It Ahead
Need a shortcut? Cook the beef and make the sauce ahead just keep them separate in the fridge. When you're ready to eat boil fresh noodles and combine everything. Dinner in minutes.
Simple Yet Satisfying
This has become our go to when we're craving takeout but want something quick and budget friendly. The sweet and savory sauce with those tender noodles never fails to hit the spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different noodles?
Yes, any long pasta works. Try rice noodles or lo mein noodles for a more authentic Asian flavor.
- → Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional. Add more for heat or skip them completely for a mild version.
- → Can I substitute ground pork?
Ground pork works well as a substitute. Turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter version.
- → What if I don't have hoisin sauce?
Mix equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar as a quick substitute, though the flavor won't be exactly the same.
Conclusion
A fast and flavorful meal combining ground beef with Asian-inspired seasonings, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.