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I came up with this Mongolian ground beef and noodles recipe one night when my kids were craving takeout but my wallet was saying no way! It turned into such a hit that now they actually beg for this instead of delivery. The sauce gets all sticky and delicious coating every bite with that perfect sweet and salty flavor. My teenage son can polish off a whole plate in minutes and still asks for seconds. Best part? It's ready faster than you can find the takeout menu!
Why You Need This Recipe
Let me tell you why this dish is now in my weekly rotation. First off it's super quick I can have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes which is a lifesaver on those crazy nights when everyone's starving. The sauce is perfectly balanced not too sweet not too salty and my picky eater who normally turns his nose up at everything gobbles this up! Plus you can make it with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen no running to fancy stores for weird ingredients.
Grab These From Your Kitchen
- Ground Beef: I usually grab the lean stuff but any will work
- Noodles: Regular spaghetti is perfect but honestly whatever you've got works
- Fresh Garlic: Don't skip this it makes everything taste amazing
- Ginger Paste: Such a time saver and adds that perfect zip
- Soy Sauce: The heart of our sauce
- Brown Sugar: Just enough to balance things out
- Hoisin Sauce: My secret weapon for deep flavor
- Cornstarch and Water: Gets that sauce nice and thick
- Red Pepper: Optional but we love a little heat
- Toppings: Green onions and sesame seeds make it look fancy
Let's Get Cooking
- Noodle Time
- Get your pasta going in plenty of salted water. Here's a tip save some of that starchy water before draining it's like liquid gold for our sauce.
- Brown That Beef
- While the pasta's cooking get your beef going with garlic until it's all nicely browned. I usually drain off the extra fat keeps it from getting greasy.
- Sauce Magic
- Now's when it gets good! Throw in your ginger soy sauce brown sugar and hoisin. Let it bubble away getting all delicious.
- Make It Glossy
- Mix up your cornstarch with cold water this is crucial for no lumps then stir it in watch how it gets all shiny and thick.
- Bring It Together
- Toss those noodles right in with some of that pasta water you saved. Keep tossing until every noodle is coated in that amazing sauce.
- Final Touch
- Sprinkle on those green onions and sesame seeds dinner is served!
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Quick and Simple
I love that this whole meal takes less time than finding my car keys for takeout! After making this so many times I've got the timing down perfect. While the water's boiling I prep everything else by the time the noodles are done my sauce is ready to go. And clean up? Just one pan besides the pasta pot which means more time to relax after dinner. My daughter even said it tastes better than our local takeout spot talk about a mom win!
Work With What You've Got
Listen don't stress if you're missing something I've made this so many different ways! No hoisin? Just add extra soy sauce and a bit more brown sugar. Ground turkey works great when I'm trying to eat lighter. Sometimes I raid my veggie drawer and throw in whatever needs using up. Last week I added some bell peppers and snap peas my kids didn't even complain about eating their vegetables!
Perfect Sauce Every Time
Want to know my secret for silky smooth sauce? Always mix that cornstarch with cold water first learned that one the hard way! And that pasta water I tell you to save? It's like magic for getting the perfect sauce consistency. If things get too thick just splash in a bit more. Too thin? Let it bubble away for another minute. My mom always says the sauce is what makes or breaks a dish and she's absolutely right.
Feeding Everyone
This recipe feeds my family of four perfectly but it's so easy to stretch when my kids bring friends over. I just add extra noodles and sauce no one ever leaves hungry! Sometimes I'll serve it with some garlic bread on the side or a quick salad to make it go further. The leftovers are amazing for lunch the next day if there are any which honestly doesn't happen often at my house!
Make It Just How You Like
The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to change up. My husband loves it spicy so he adds extra red pepper flakes to his plate. When my sister's watching her carbs she uses zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Sometimes I throw in different veggies or switch up the meat just to keep things interesting. It's like having a new dish every time but with the same delicious sauce that everyone loves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Each option works great and lets you adjust the dish to your preference.
- → What if my sauce is too thick or thin?
Use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it's too thick. If it's too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while simmering.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes to increase the heat level. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.
- → What noodles work best for this recipe?
Linguine is ideal, but spaghetti or fettuccine work just as well. The key is cooking the pasta until it's al dente for the best texture.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.