Mediterranean Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This dish is a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic Mongolian noodles. It’s hearty, savory, and sweet with a touch of spice. The ground beef cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce made of soy, hoisin, garlic, and ginger. Tossed with linguine, it makes a satisfying one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
10 oz linguine (or spaghetti)
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat over medium-high.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked (about 6–7 minutes).
Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef.
Thicken the sauce:
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add red pepper flakes if using.
Combine:
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet.
Toss well until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and combined with the beef.
Serve:
Transfer to bowls, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it slightly al dente since it will cook a little more when tossed in the sauce.
Balance the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tbsp. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Thicken gradually: Add the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring to avoid clumps and to control the thickness of the sauce.
Boost flavor: Toast the garlic briefly before adding the sauce for a deeper, richer aroma.
Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Variations
Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or lamb instead of beef. Shrimp also works well for a lighter version.
Noodle options: Use rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free, low-carb version.
Mediterranean twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta on top for a fusion vibe.
Extra veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach to make it more colorful and nutritious.
Spice level: For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the beef and sauce ahead, then store separately. Cook the noodles fresh and toss everything together before serving for the best texture.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I make this healthier?
A: Definitely. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, reduce the sugar, and add more vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but the sauce may thicken more.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes. Increase red pepper flakes, or stir in chili garlic paste or sriracha.
Nutrition
(per serving, serves 4 – approximate)
Calories: 510
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 1350 mg
(Values vary depending on pasta type, soy sauce brand, and optional add-ins.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Mongolian Ground Beef Noodle dish is a flavorful and filling meal that balances sweet, savory, and garlicky notes with tender pasta. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough to serve guests. With easy swaps for protein, noodles, and spice level, it adapts well to different tastes and dietary needs. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner that feels both comforting and fresh.