Saucy Ground Beef and Noodles

These Saucy Ground Beef and Noodles are an easy, better-than-takeout dinner made with ground beef and your favorite noodles tossed in an irresistible sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce. Packed with flavor and totally slurp-worthy, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American Chinese

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 625kcal

Author Tawnie Graham of Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

For the beef & noodles

1 lb ground beef
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 large white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, sliced, plus more for garnish
1 Tbsp sesame oil
8-10 oz noodles of choice*, ramen, rice noodles, or egg noodles

For the sauce

1/4 cup all-purpose soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
1 Tbsp. hoisin
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1 tsp. brown sugar or honey
1 tsp. fish sauce, optional but adds umami/restaurant vibes
1 tsp. Gochujang, optional for spice, feel free to add more if desired to make it spicier

For thickening

1-2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Optional add-ins

1-2 cups broccoli, shredded cabbage, or snap peas

Garnish

green onions
toasted sesame seeds
red pepper flakes or chili crisp
lime wedges, optional

US Customary - Metric

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Cook the noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. (Reserve a little pasta water if needed later.)
8-10 oz noodles of choice*
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
1/4 cup all-purpose soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce, 1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. hoisin, 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 1 tsp. brown sugar or honey, 1 tsp. fish sauce, 1 tsp. Gochujang
Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop browning, then break it up and cook until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
1 Tbsp vegetable oil, 1 lb ground beef
Add aromatics: Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Start Timer Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
1/2 large white onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp fresh ginger
Add sauce + thicken: Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch + water, then stir into the pan. Let simmer 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Start Timer (Add any vegetables here in this step if using, cooking for a few minutes to soften)
1-2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, 1-2 cups broccoli, shredded cabbage, or snap peas
Add noodles + toss: Add cooked noodles directly to the pan and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Finish: Stir in sesame oil and green onions. Taste and adjust: Add lime juice for brightness or add chili crisp for heat.
2 green onions, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, lime wedges
Serve: Top with extra green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes or chili crisp

Video

Notes

Noodles: I used 3, 3.55 oz noodle packages from Momofuku and discarded the sauce packets that came with. Trader Joe's has some good ones, too! You can even use spaghetti in a pinch (my kids love it this way)!
Other proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. OR... make it vegetarian using crumbled tofu + mushrooms!
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Recipe Update: This recipe was updated with new ingredients & instructions in August 2026. If you're looking for the old version of the recipe, click here!

Nutrition