Looking for a quick, flavorful meal for busy weeknights? This Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles with Ground Beef recipe is perfect for you. With its combination of savory ground beef, spicy garlic sauce, and tender fettuccine, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s become our go-to dish for busy weeknights when we want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious recipe next time you crave a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Chili garlic noodles have their roots in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures. The combination of noodles with a spicy, garlic-infused umami flavor sauce is a staple in many traditional dishes, providing a perfect balance of heat and umami flavors. This recipe brings together these classic elements with a modern twist, making it a versatile and beloved dish in many households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep and cook time.

Flavorful: The combination of savory beef, spicy garlic sauce, and tender fettuccine is a flavor explosion.

Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different noodles, proteins, and spice levels.

Family Favorite: It’s a hit with everyone in the family, making it a regular on our dinner table.

Leftover-Friendly: Great for meal prep and reheats well for lunches or dinners.

Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein and healthy fats, it’s both delicious and nutritious.

Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles w/ Ground Beef Video

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Ingredients

Full recipe, photos, and instructions in the recipe card at the end of post

12 oz fettuccine, rice noodles, or even spaghetti
½ cup scallions (white & green parts separated)

Beef:

1 lb lean ground beef or protein of your choice
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tbsp garlic powder
White part of the green onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp neutral oil
1 cup reserved pasta water
Sesame seeds for garnish

Sauce:

3 tbsp sesame oil
6-8 garlic cloves crushed
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp chili-garlic sauce (THIS) is the one I use)
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light brown sugar
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Full recipe, photos, and instructions in the recipe card at the end of post

Cook the Noodles

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Set aside the cooked noodles and reserved pasta water.

Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat.
Add the white part of the scallions and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, oyster sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
Heat up the sesame oil in a small pan until hot. Add to the sauce mixture and combine. This will cook the aromatics without over cooking.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
Add the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Stir in the parmesan cheese and the green part of the scallions.
Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, parmesan and serve hot.

Substitutions

Noodles: You can use udon noodles, ramen noodles, spaghetti, or wide rice noodles instead of fettuccine.

Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.

Sauce: Tamari sauce or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Heat Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha and chili garlic sauce to suit your spice preference.

What to Serve With

Vegetables: Steamed bok choy, snow peas, or bell peppers make great sides. My Roasted Vegetables with Lemon Basil Sauce.

Salad: A simple green salad with a sesame oil dressing complements the dish well. Check out my Mediterranean Crunch Salad.

Soup: A light miso soup or hot and sour soup pairs nicely with the spicy noodles.

FAQ

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and sriracha to your preferred heat level.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes, pre-cooked noodles can be used. Just be sure to adjust the amount of reserved pasta water as needed.

What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?

You can use any grated hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.