If you’re craving a hearty, savory noodle dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce, every bite delivers that perfect balance of tender meat, crisp veggies, and chewy noodles. It transforms the humble ground beef into a star ingredient, making dinner both satisfying and exciting for the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the secret behind making this dish so irresistible. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s adding texture, color, or depth of flavor.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti: These provide the soft, chewy base that carries the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The main protein, delivering meaty richness and substance.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a sharp, aromatic punch essential to the savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated): Offers a zesty, warm undertone that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Brings crunch and a slight sweetness for balance.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Provides crisp texture and freshness to the stir-fry.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Gives salty umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a deep, savory richness that rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Contributes a hint of sweetness and complexity in flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: Thickens the sauce for perfect cling to noodles and ingredients.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Freshen and brighten the final presentation.
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish: Add a subtle nutty crunch and beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions. This ensures they’re tender but still have a slight chew, which makes every bite delightful. Once done, drain them and set aside to prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This caramelization brings out deep meaty flavors, building a rich base for your dish.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. These aromatics infuse the beef with layers of bright, savory notes that make your lo mein absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and shredded cabbage. Cook everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp, preserving their fresh texture and vibrant colors.
Step 5: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and your cornstarch slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well, coating all the meat and veggies in a glossy, flavorful sauce that will cling beautifully to every noodle.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Finish
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are heated through and fully coated with sauce. This final step brings everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle and the textures to harmonize.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the top for a pop of color and a little extra crunch. These simple garnishes add freshness and a professional touch to your homemade meal.
Side Dishes
Serve your Ground Beef Lo Mein alongside steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad to round out the meal. These sides complement the bold flavors and create a well-balanced dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends or family? Serve this lo mein in individual bowls garnished with fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts for added texture. Alternatively, try making lettuce wraps using the ground beef lo mein mixture for a fun, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option that tastes just as amazing.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Ground Beef Lo Mein in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate into meal-sized portions to make thawing and reheating easier without compromising taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of water helps revive moisture and keeps the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat in this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you want a lighter option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they can cook faster than beef.
What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t available, you can use hoisin sauce alone or mix soy sauce with a touch of honey for sweetness. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and noodles made from rice or other gluten-free grains. Just check the labels on sauces to make sure.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to include snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to increase the veggie content and customize the dish to your liking.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can easily add chili garlic sauce or sriracha if you like things with a bit of heat. It’s a great way to personalize it!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is a treasured addition to any weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and wonderfully adaptable, making everyone at the table happy. Once you try this vibrant and satisfying dish, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with humble ingredients.
Print
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A flavorful and easy Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender noodles tossed with savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a delicious Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 2 green onions, sliced
Garnish
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain them well and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook vegetables: Add the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Toss with noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss together with the beef, vegetables, and sauce until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve the lo mein immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat and flavor, add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter variation of this recipe.
