Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Rice: A Savory One-Pan Delight

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the bold, slightly sweet, and savory flavors of Mongolian cuisine in a hearty and satisfying meal. With a rich, umiak-packed sauce, ground beef, tender noodles, and fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Whether you're a busy professional or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making this delicious dish, answer some frequently asked questions, and share some expert tips to ensure you get the best results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.

• Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples and simple ingredients you may already have.

• Rich in flavor: The perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

• Customizable: Can be adjusted to suit dietary preferences or taste preferences.

• Great for meal prep: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

• 2 tablespoons housing sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a slurry)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Noodles & Rice:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 8 ounces rice noodles (or ramen, udon, or spaghetti)

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)

• 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and water together until smooth.

3. Set aside both mixtures.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add vegetable oil and ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

3. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Rice

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. If using fresh jasmine rice, cook it according to package directions or use pre-cooked rice.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the prepared sauce to the cooked beef in the skillet.

2. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.

3. Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

4. Add the cooked noodles, rice, green onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the pan.

5. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

6. Drizzle sesame oil over the top and stir once more.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional green onions over the top.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Rice

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more authentic and aromatic flavor.

• For extra richness, add a teaspoon of oyster sauce to the sauce mixture.

• Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes or using sriracha.

• For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

• Use freshly cooked rice for the best texture, or day-old rice if you prefer a slightly firmer bite.

• Make it vegetarian by swapping out the beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.

• Add crunch with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave before serving.

2. Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Rice?

Yes, you can freeze it! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan or microwave.

3. What other noodles can I use?

You can use rice noodles, ramen, lo man, udon, or even spaghetti as a substitute.

4. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use tamarind or coconut amino instead of soy sauce and ensure the housing sauce is gluten-free. Also, double-check that your noodles are gluten-free (rice noodles work well).

5. What can I serve with this dish?

While this meal is complete on its own, you can serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, an Asian-style salad, or a light soup like misdo or egg drop soup.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for more texture and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with Rice is a delicious, quick, and budget-friendly meal that will satisfy your cravings for takeout-style food at home. It’s a fantastic combination of sweet and savory flavors with a delightful chewy and soft texture from the noodles and rice. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and let us know your favorite variations!