Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: A Flavorful and Fast Dish

Nostalgic Appeal

This dish reminds me of those takeout nights when I was younger, enjoying a flavorful and comforting meal with family. The combination of savory beef and noodles is a classic for a reason. It’s a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly order takeout, there’s something truly special about making this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the beef, preparing the sauce, and tossing it all with noodles is surprisingly simple and rewarding.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors with a hint of spice. The ground beef is browned to perfection, adding a rich depth of flavor. The sauce is a blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, beef broth, hoisin sauce, ginger, and black pepper, creating a complex and satisfying flavor that coats the noodles beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! We start with [lean ground beef, browned to perfection for a lighter and flavorful base]. Then comes the [garlic, brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, and black pepper, creating a rich and savory sauce with a touch of sweetness]. We also incorporate [linguine or your preferred pasta, cooked al dente for a satisfying texture]. And finally, the [green onions, adding a pop of freshness and color].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large skillet for browning the beef and making the sauce, a large pot for cooking the noodles, a small bowl for the cornstarch slurry, and measuring cups and spoons.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, lean
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 10 oz linguine (or other long pasta)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 green onions, sliced for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat as needed.
3. Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Allow it to simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated with the flavorful sauce. Let them simmer together for a few minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the noodles for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Troubleshooting

• Noodles are mushy: Make sure you cook the noodles al dente according to package directions. Avoid overcooking them in the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
• Sauce is too salty: Use low sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount of soy sauce added.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken.
• Add different vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
• Use different types of noodles, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a casual dinner party, or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 1 1/2 cups. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500
• Fat: Approximately 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-8g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 60-70mg
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-55g
• Fiber: Approximately 3-4g
• Sugar: Approximately 10-12g
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1000mg (may vary depending on soy sauce used)

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of noodles), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can cook the ground beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve. Cook the noodles just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the noodles may be affected. However, you can freeze the beef and sauce separately.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: While ground beef is classic for this dish, you can experiment with other ground meats, such as ground turkey or chicken.