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I came up with these noodles one night when my pantry was running low and takeout was too expensive. Just threw together some ground beef, noodles and whatever sauces I had - and my family went crazy for it! Now my kids run to the kitchen as soon as they smell that garlic hitting the pan. Even my mother-in-law who's super picky about Asian food asked for the recipe!
What Makes This So Good
You won't believe how quick this comes together - way faster than waiting for delivery! The sauce gets all sticky and coats every noodle just right. My teenage son who usually just grunts at dinner actually asks for this by name. Plus it's so easy to switch things up based on what your family likes. Last week I threw in some broccoli and my kids didn't even complain!
Here's What You Need
- Ground Beef: Just a pound of the regular stuff
- Garlic: Lots of it! I use five big cloves
- Brown Sugar: Makes everything sticky-good
- Beef Broth: Adds extra meaty flavor
- Soy Sauce: The regular kind from the store works fine
- Hoisin Sauce: Find it in the Asian aisle it's worth grabbing
- Some Spices: Ground ginger black pepper and red pepper if you like it spicy
- Noodles: Regular linguine works great
- Green Onions: For sprinkling on top
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Let's Start Cooking
- Get Your Noodles Going
- First thing I do is get my water boiling for the noodles. While that's happening I start on the beef. Just follow the package directions but don't overcook them nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Cook That Beef
- Get your biggest pan hot and throw in the ground beef. Break it up while it cooks I use my wooden spoon. Once it's all brown drain off the extra fat.
- Make It Saucy
- This is where the magic happens! Toss in your garlic let it get smelly good. Then dump in your brown sugar broth all those sauces and spices. Let it bubble away gets all sticky and amazing.
- Thicken It Up
- Mix your cornstarch with water until it's smooth then stir it in. Watch how quick it gets thick! My kids love helping with this part.
- Put It All Together
- Throw those cooked noodles right in the pan with all that saucy goodness. Toss it around until every noodle is coated.
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Some Tricks I've Learned
Don't skip draining the beef or your sauce will be greasy. Keep stirring once you add that cornstarch or it might get lumpy. And here's my secret sometimes I add a splash of rice vinegar at the end gives it that take-out taste!
Mix It Up
When we're trying to eat healthier I use ground turkey instead of beef. My sister throws in frozen broccoli right at the end says it's an easy way to get veggies in. Sometimes I add extra red pepper flakes when the kids aren't eating with us makes it nice and spicy!
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What To Serve With It
Usually just a side of steamed broccoli is plenty it's pretty filling on its own! Sometimes I'll throw together a quick salad. If we're extra hungry I'll heat up some frozen potstickers on the side my kids love those.
Saving Some For Later
These noodles actually reheat pretty well! Just pop them in a pan with a splash of water gets them saucy again. They'll keep in the fridge for a few days if they last that long. My husband usually takes the leftovers for lunch his coworkers always get jealous of the smell!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different noodles?
Yes, any long pasta works well - try spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots work great. Add them when cooking the beef for tender-crisp texture.
- → Why use cornstarch slurry?
The cornstarch mixture thickens the sauce so it coats the noodles better. Don't skip this step or sauce will be too thin.
- → Is this very sweet?
The brown sugar balances the salty soy sauce and savory beef. Reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep 2-3 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce, so add a splash of beef broth when reheating.
Conclusion
A delicious and quick Asian-inspired pasta dish combining ground beef with linguine in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy families looking for a fast, flavorful meal.