This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is everything you crave in a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner—savory noodles, perfectly seasoned beef, and a tangle of crisp-tender veggies, all tossed together in a glossy umami-rich sauce. This dish nails that balance between homestyle comfort and vibrant Asian-inspired flavor, and best of all, comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of bold takeout or simply need an easy way to use up ground beef and some stray veggies, this one will become a new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is how it makes the most of a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing their own magic to the dish. Some add rich depth, others offer crunch or color, and every bite sings with their collective contributions.
- Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing a hearty, savory flavor base and a satisfying chew to each bite.
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce; use what you have on hand without worry.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat option for stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Garlic: Adds that essential aromatic kick that sends every stir fry over the top.
- Fresh ginger: Elevates the dish with a warming, peppery zing that balances the richness of the beef.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a sweet mild crunch and a splash of vibrant color.
- Shredded carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and pretty ribbons of orange throughout the noodles.
- Snap peas or broccoli florets: Choose whichever you love for bright color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Green onions: Scatter these at the end to add an instant pop of flavor and eye-catching garnish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Lends umami depth and crucial saltiness, without going overboard.
- Oyster sauce: Delivers a touch of sweet-salty seafood richness to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a hint of sweetness and aromatic complexity that rounds out the dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds a deeply nutty fragrance—just a dribble goes a long way.
- Cornstarch (optional): For those who love a thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry gives you total control over texture.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle these over the top for the finishing touch—crunchy and visually stunning.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Noodles
Start off strong by boiling your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you’re using classic lo mein or trusty spaghetti, cook them until just tender. Drain and set aside—they’ll be reunited with the pan soon. A quick toss with a tiny drizzle of sesame oil prevents sticking and infuses early layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sizzle the Beef
While the noodles cook, set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, then crumble in your ground beef. Let it brown, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. You want nice, flavorful bits, so don’t rush this step. If things look too greasy, pour off the excess fat for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Aromatics Bring the Magic
Now come the big flavors! Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, tossing for about a minute. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible. The brief sizzle is all you need for both to hit their aromatic stride without burning.
Step 4: Veggies for Crunch and Color
Next, add in your red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and snap peas or broccoli florets. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender—meaning you’ll get vibrant pops of texture and fresh taste in every forkful.
Step 5: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this luscious mixture over your beef and veggies, then add the noodles back to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are perfectly coated and slightly glossy.
Step 6: The Perfect Finish
If you love your lo mein a little more saucy, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it cook another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Then, right before serving, shower on the sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. And just like that, your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a beautiful garnish for that restaurant-style touch! Sprinkle with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color and crunch. If you like a little heat, thinly sliced red chilies or a squeeze of sriracha look gorgeous and wake up your palate.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but pairing it with simple steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or even crispy egg rolls takes your meal to the next level. For something cozy, a hot bowl of miso soup sits happily alongside the carby, savory noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe straight out of the skillet for a casual family-style dinner, or pile it high in deep noodle bowls for a more dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to garnish with extra herbs or a wedge of lime for a fresh, zesty twist. Even cold leftovers make an absolute delight tucked into lettuce cups or bento boxes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep that fresh-from-the-wok flavor, store any leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as dreamy as tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
Guess what? This recipe freezes remarkably well! Transfer cooled lo mein into individual containers for speedy homemade freezer meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture (although it’s still pretty good straight from the microwave in a pinch).
Reheating
To recapture that just-cooked texture, reheat your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. If you’re short on time, using the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring often, so the noodles stay nice and supple.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While traditional lo mein noodles have the perfect bouncy texture, spaghetti is a fantastic and easy substitute. You can also try rice noodles or even soba if you’re in an experimental mood.
What’s the best alternative to ground beef?
If you’re craving something a bit lighter, ground turkey or ground chicken are perfect swaps in this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu holds up beautifully with the flavorful sauce and veggies.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply opt for gluten-free noodles and be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Double-check your hoisin and oyster sauces as well to confirm they’re gluten-free varieties.
How do I make it spicier?
Fire things up by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzling sriracha over the finished dish. Fresh chili paste or thinly sliced fresh chilies stirred in with the veggies also work wonders!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe scales like a champ! Doubling (or even tripling) is easy—just use a large enough wok or skillet to allow room for tossing everything evenly. It’s a fantastic dish for potlucks and parties.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe enough—every bowl brims with irresistible flavor, a bounty of veggies, and total weeknight ease. It’s one of those magical meals that feels a little special every time, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it finds a forever place in your dinner rotation!
Print
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender lo mein noodles are tossed with savory ground beef and a colorful array of vegetables, all coated in a flavorful sauce. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Lo Mein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté beef and aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas. Cook until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Combine everything: Add the noodles to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss to combine. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook briefly.
- Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetable mix with your favorites.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
- For added heat, include red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
