Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! If you’re tired of bland meals and endless cleanup, you’ve come to the right place. For years, I’ve been perfecting the art of flavorful, one-pot dishes that make cooking a joy, not a chore. This Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles recipe is a shining example. Imagine tender ground beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and satisfying noodles, all bathed in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce – cooked directly in one single pot. That’s right, no separate boiling, no extra pans to wash, just pure culinary convenience and incredible taste. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this unbelievably quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal.
If you love the simplicity and flavor of one-pot cooking, you’ll also adore my One Pot Taco Potatoes, One Pot Chicken Alfredo, and One Pot Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. They’re perfect companions for your busy kitchen!
Table of Contents
Introduction to One-Pot Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this incredible One-Pot Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a commitment to deliciousness and simplicity. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to a vibrant, savory dish that comes together in a single skillet or pot. For over a decade, my kitchen philosophy has revolved around maximizing flavor while minimizing fuss, and this Mongolian beef recipe perfectly embodies that ethos. The beauty of this dish lies in its clever design: the noodles cook directly in the rich, glossy sauce alongside the seasoned ground beef and colorful vegetables, absorbing every drop of deliciousness. This means no waiting for water to boil, no draining, and absolutely no extra pot to scrub. Just a quick, mess-free, and incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe
This Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles isn’t just another recipe; it’s a revelation for anyone seeking convenience without compromising on taste. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your rotation:
- Effortless One-Pot Wonder: The biggest win is the minimal cleanup. Everything — from the beef to the noodles and veggies — cooks in one pot, saving you precious time and effort in the kitchen.
- Speedy Preparation: In less than 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Bursting with Flavor: This dish is far from bland. A harmonious blend of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, aromatic garlic and onion, and a hint of spice creates a deeply satisfying, irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to swap proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The combination of tender noodles, well-seasoned meat, and a sweet-and-savory sauce makes this a hit with both adults and children alike.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping healthy, delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Creating this spectacular one-pot meal starts with a few key ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. Stocking these staples means you’re always ready for a quick, flavorful dinner like this!
- Udon Noodles: These thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles are fantastic for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. If udon isn’t available, feel free to substitute with ramen noodles (discarding the seasoning packet), lo mein, spaghetti, or even rice noodles. Just be mindful of their specific cooking times. Udon typically cooks in just 5 minutes, making them a fast favorite!
- Ground Beef: The star protein, offering a rich, satisfying base. For a leaner option or different flavor profile, easily swap in ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Adjust seasoning slightly as leaner meats might need a touch more salt or soy sauce.
- Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: This foundational seasoning blend elevates the ground beef, ensuring every bite is packed with savory depth. Smoked paprika adds a subtle, earthy smokiness that beautifully complements the Mongolian flavors.
- Fresh or Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A vibrant mix of vegetables not only adds color and texture but also boosts the nutritional value. I often reach for frozen stir-fry blends or pre-chopped fresh options for ultimate convenience. Just be aware that some frozen mixes can release more water, so a quick sauté before adding the sauce can help, or choose brands known for less water content. Popular choices include bell peppers, broccoli florets, carrots, mushrooms, and snap peas.
- Onions: Diced onions create a crucial aromatic base, adding a sweet and pungent depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for its pungent aroma and flavor, which forms the heart of many Asian-inspired dishes.
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of the Mongolian sauce, providing that essential umami and salty kick. For gluten-free alternatives, coconut aminos or tamari work perfectly.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: This balances the savory and salty notes of the soy sauce, creating the characteristic sweet-and-savory profile of Mongolian beef. I personally prefer monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar, lower-calorie option, but honey or maple syrup are also excellent natural alternatives. Start with a quarter cup and adjust to your desired sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to a luscious, glossy consistency that perfectly coats the noodles and beef. While flour can be used in a pinch, cornstarch delivers that signature sheen and avoids clumping.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth forms the liquid base of our sauce, infusing the dish with extra richness. Bone broth is a fantastic choice for an added nutritional boost, bringing extra protein and minerals. Any type of broth you have on hand will work wonderfully.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and easy one-pot meal is straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfect Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles dish every time. Remember, the full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.
- Brown the Beef to Perfection: Begin by heating a large skillet or a sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Add your chosen ground beef (or alternative protein). Use a spatula or a meat chopper to break it up into fine pieces as it cooks. Continue until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Season the browned beef generously with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Now, it’s time to build the flavor base. Add your finely diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the seasoned beef. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions have softened slightly and the kitchen is filled with an irresistible, fragrant aroma. Don’t rush this step, as these aromatics lay the groundwork for the dish’s incredible taste.
- Incorporate the Vegetables: Toss in your fresh or frozen mixed vegetables. Give them a good stir with the beef and aromatics. Allow them to simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This quick cook time helps them start to soften while retaining a pleasant, crisp-tender texture, ensuring they don’t become mushy in the final dish.
- Craft the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate small bowl or cup, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of the broth until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Then, pour the remaining broth into the pot with the beef and veggies. Add the soy sauce and brown sugar (or your chosen sweetener) to the pot. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—these are packed with flavor! Finally, whisk in the cornstarch-broth mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and becomes glossy. If you’re adding chili onion crunch for a spicy kick, now is the time to mix it in.
- Cook the Noodles Directly in the Sauce: This is where the one-pot magic truly happens! Add your udon noodles (or chosen alternative) directly into the pot. Gently stir to ensure that the noodles are completely submerged and coated by the savory broth and sauce. It’s important for the noodles to have enough liquid to cook properly and absorb all the delicious flavors. If the liquid seems insufficient, add a small splash of extra broth or water.
- Simmer to Perfection: Place a lid securely on the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the noodles cook for 5-7 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type and thickness of your noodles. With udon noodles, mine are often perfectly tender after just 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be soft but still have a slight chew. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the noodles are perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened to a beautiful, glossy consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Grab your tongs or a wooden spoon, give everything one final, thorough toss to ensure all components are well combined and coated in that irresistible Mongolian sauce. Serve hot, and prepare to savor every bite of these savory, sweet, and perfectly textured noodles with tender beef and vibrant veggies. Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Variations and Delicious Add-Ins
One of the best things about this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations and add-ins to tailor the dish to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:
- Gluten-Free Options: Easily convert this recipe to gluten-free by replacing traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari. Ensure your broth and noodles are also certified gluten-free.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If brown sugar isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for a healthier option, honey, monk fruit sweetener, or maple syrup can be used to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness in the sauce.
- Boost the Aromatics: For an extra layer of authentic flavor, consider adding freshly grated Ginger along with the garlic and onions. Its zesty, pungent notes will brighten the entire dish.
- Vegetable Power-Ups: Enhance the nutritional content and visual appeal with a variety of vegetables. Great options include crisp Broccoli florets, colorful Bell Peppers (red, yellow, or orange), tender Zucchini slices, earthy Mushrooms, or vibrant Snap Peas. Add them in step 3.
- Richness with Hoisin: A tablespoon or two of Hoisin Sauce can deepen the savory notes and add a touch more complexity and sweetness to the Mongolian sauce.
- Nutty Depth: A drizzle of toasted Sesame Oil added at the very end, just before serving, imparts a wonderfully nutty aroma and flavor.
- Garnish for Freshness: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of sliced Green Onions and toasted Sesame Seeds for a burst of freshness and a beautiful presentation.
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of Red Pepper Flakes directly into the sauce or add a drizzle of Sriracha when serving. My favorite for an extra kick is a generous spoonful of chili onion crunch.
Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles (One Pot Recipe)
Brandi Crawford
This irresistible One-Pot Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle dish is a testament to flavor and convenience. Experience a decade of perfected one-pot meals with this recipe, where tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles cook together in a rich, glossy sauce. Say goodbye to multiple pots and endless cleanup – get ready for a delicious, family-friendly dinner that truly shines!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)
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Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Course
dinner, lunch
Cuisine
American, Chinese
Servings
4 servings
Calories
493 kcal
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Equipment Needed
- 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Meat Chopper
Detailed Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Ground turkey, ground chicken, and ground sausage will also work.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced onions
- 3-4 garlic cloves Minced
- 3-4 cups fresh or frozen mixed vegetables
- 6-8 oz udon noodles Ramen noodles work great, too. See notes for more tips.
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
- ¼-½ cup brown sugar or sweetener Use ½ cup if you know you like it sweet. You can also start with ¼, taste, and adjust as needed.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch See notes for substitution.
- 2 cups broth Any broth will work. I use bone broth for added protein.
- 2-3 teaspoons chili onion crunch Optional for flavor and a spicy kick
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula or meat chopper and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Season it with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells amazing.
- Toss in your fresh or frozen mixed vegetables. Let them simmer for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Whisk the cornstarch in a bowl or cup with the broth. In the same pot, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar (or sweetener), and cornstarch broth mixture. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, that’s where all the flavor hides. If you’re adding chili onion crunch, add it now.
- Add the noodles straight to the pot. Stir and ensure the broth and sauce completely covers and coats the noodles so they can cook. Add additional broth or water if necessary.
- Place the lid on the pot and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Mine was ready after 5 minutes using udon noodles. Your time will vary depending on what you use.
- Grab your tongs or wooden spoon, toss everything together one more time, and serve hot. The noodles should be coated in that glossy, savory Mongolian sauce with tender beef and veggies in every bite.
Pro Tips and Recipe Notes
For a super saucy dish where the sauce remains slick and glides off the noodles (my personal preference!), use 6 oz of noodles. If you prefer a thicker dish, or simply love a higher noodle-to-sauce ratio, opt for 8 oz.
Noodles and pasta require adequate moisture to soften correctly. Always ensure there’s enough broth or sauce in the pan to cover most of the noodles. If you notice the pan drying out before the noodles are tender, don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of broth or water.
While flour can be used as a thickener if absolutely necessary, cornstarch is highly recommended for this recipe. It yields a much glossier, clearer sauce with a better texture, whereas flour can result in a duller finish and potential clumping.
Nutrition Information
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Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Noodles and pasta thrive on moisture to soften properly. Ensure there’s always enough broth or sauce in the pan to generously cover most of the noodles. If the liquid starts to dry out before they’re tender, simply add an extra splash of broth or water. Crucially, give the noodles a good toss every couple of minutes while they simmer; this prevents them from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Udon noodles are particularly quick-cooking, typically ready within 5–7 minutes depending on whether they’re fresh or dried. Start checking for doneness early – they should be soft but still offer a pleasant, slight bite.
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. If udon noodles aren’t on hand, you can successfully use ramen (discarding the seasoning packet), lo mein, spaghetti, or even thinner rice noodles. The key is to adjust the cooking time according to the specific noodle you choose to prevent them from becoming overcooked or mushy.
Yes, definitely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork all work wonderfully as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. When swapping proteins, remember to adjust your seasoning slightly; leaner meats might benefit from a little extra salt or soy sauce to ensure the flavor remains robust.
If you love a fiery kick, there are several ways to amp up the heat! My personal favorite is adding chili onion crunch directly into the sauce. Other great options include stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dollop of chili paste, or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. For fresh heat, topping your serving with thinly sliced jalapeños adds a bright, spicy crunch.
You certainly can! This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Simply store the cooled Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce back to its original consistency.
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. You’ll notice the sauce thickens significantly as it cools, but a quick reheat with a tablespoon or two of water or broth will bring it right back to life.
Yes, this dish can be frozen, though it’s worth noting that noodles can sometimes become slightly softer in texture upon reheating after freezing. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
Optimal Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles even days after it’s made. For peak freshness, always allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for a delicious encore, the sauce will likely have thickened. To restore its luscious consistency, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen it up. Stir frequently until heated through. For microwave reheating, use short intervals and stir between each, again adding a splash of liquid if necessary.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
While this One-Pot Mongolian Ground Beef with Noodles is a complete meal on its own, a few simple additions can elevate your dining experience:
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) and a handful of toasted sesame seeds add both color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Serve alongside a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a quick stir-fry of your favorite Asian-inspired vegetables for added crunch and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Keep a bottle of sriracha, a jar of chili garlic sauce, or a bowl of red pepper flakes on the table for those who enjoy an extra layer of heat.
- Crunch Factor: A side of crispy wonton strips or a sprinkle of toasted peanuts can add a delightful texture contrast.
Meal Prep Made Easy: Savory Weeknight Solutions
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle recipe is a dream come true for meal prep enthusiasts. Its robust flavors and simple cooking method make it ideal for preparing ahead, ensuring you have healthy, homemade meals ready to go throughout your busy week. The components hold up exceptionally well, and the sauce only gets better as it sits. Cook a larger batch on Sunday, then divide it into individual airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners. Simply reheat with a splash of broth or water, and you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal in minutes, eliminating the temptation for takeout. It’s the perfect solution for staying on track with healthy eating without sacrificing taste or convenience.
