Mongolian Beef Noodles

Name: Mongolian Beef Noodles (15-Minute Weeknight)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1 lb spaghetti; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp ground ginger; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish; 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Mongolian Beef Noodles is a 15-minute ground beef and spaghetti dish coated in a sweet, garlicky hoisin-and-ginger sauce with a subtle heat kick. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep and cleanup.

🌍Asian-inspired 🏷️Mongolian beef 🏷️Beef noodles 🏷️Spaghetti 🏷️Ground beef Quick dinner

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight meal

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TikTok

Total

15 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$28–$46

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1 lb spaghetti
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarchoptional
2 tbsp wateroptional
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnishoptional
2 green onions, sliced, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
2
Break the beef apart with a spoon and cook until browned through.
3
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
4
Once the beef is cooked, add the red pepper flakes and minced garlic, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Then add the ground ginger and brown sugar.
6
Stir everything together to create the sauce and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
7
If the sauce is too thin, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour it into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
8
Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the beef and sauce.
9
Toss well with tongs until the spaghetti is fully coated in the sauce.
10
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook the beef over medium-high heat without moving it for the first 2–3 minutes to develop a flavorful crust before breaking it apart.
Mince the garlic fresh and add it in the last 30 seconds of cooking to preserve its sharp flavor; burnt garlic turns bitter.
Toss hot noodles with the sauce immediately off heat so they absorb flavor and the sauce coats evenly.
Garnish generously with fresh green onions right before serving for a bright contrast to the rich, savory sauce.

Substitutions

Spaghetti → ramen, linguine, or rice noodles (adjust cooking time)
Hoisin sauce → soy sauce + brown sugar + sesame oil blend
Ground beef → ground pork or turkey (reduce cooking time slightly)
Fresh garlic → 1 tsp garlic powder (add with spices, not at the end)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked noodles and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing to combine, and add a splash of beef broth if the sauce has thickened.

Common Questions

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

Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, or even ramen noodles work well. Adjust cooking time if using thinner noodles to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the ground beef from clumping?

Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Don't press or compress it; let it brown naturally for better texture.

Can I make this ahead or freeze it?

Yes. Store cooked noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss together, adding a splash of broth if needed. Not recommended for freezing due to pasta texture.