If you’re craving big takeout flavors without the wait or the price tag, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Juicy, savory ground beef mingles with crisp-tender veggies, all tangled up in noodles drenched with a glossy, umami-packed sauce. It’s lightning-fast, deeply satisfying, and absolutely bursting with color and freshness. Whether you use classic lo mein noodles or spaghetti from your pantry, this one-pan wonder delivers on flavor and ease, making it impossible not to go back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those glorious meals where simple, everyday ingredients add up to something extraordinary. Each component of this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe plays a special role: the noodles slurp up sauce like champs, the beef brings hearty richness, and the veggies add those bright, crisp pops. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it matters:
- Lo mein noodles or spaghetti (8 ounces): The base of the dish; choose lo mein noodles for classic chewy texture, or spaghetti for an easy swap.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Lends that signature toasty aroma and depth; don’t skip it, as it transforms the flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Satisfying and protein-rich; browning it well builds savory flavor throughout.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds bold, fragrant punch that shines through the sauce.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Brings zingy, warming notes that brighten each bite.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Sweet and colorful; they soften just enough while keeping a little bite.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced (1): For color and a touch of juicy crunch.
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Essential for extra crunch and body, plus an easy way to pack in veggies.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Key for salty, umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds signature lo mein flavor with a sweet and savory backbone.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings sweetness, richness, and a hint of spice.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the sauce so it beautifully clings to every noodle.
- Green onions, sliced (2): Provides a fresh, sharp finish and extra visual flair.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): A nutty sprinkle that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your lo mein noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain well and set aside. Giving the noodles a quick toss with a drizzle of sesame oil helps keep them from sticking while you prepare the rest—plus, it adds an extra layer of flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Let it brown fully so those caramelized bits build deep flavor. This is what gives your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe that deliciously hearty undertone.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in your minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sizzle with the beef for 1–2 minutes. The aromatic duo releases bold, fragrant notes that instantly lift the entire dish from simple beef stir fry to a lo mein that sings with flavor.
Step 4: Pile in the Veggies
Add the shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and cabbage or coleslaw mix to the pan. Give everything a good toss and let it cook for 3–4 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften but still keep a bit of crunch—this contrast makes every bite exciting.
Step 5: Mix Up the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and prepared cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. This glossy, powerhouse sauce is the secret weapon of your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe, bringing just the right balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well, making sure the beef and veggies are evenly coated. Add your cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are glistening and everything is heated through. Sprinkle over the sliced green onions and a handful of sesame seeds, if you like—then it’s time to serve!
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds make the Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe sing with color and crunch. For a hit of heat and a beautiful finish, try a little drizzle of chili oil or a scatter of thinly sliced fresh chili. These little touches make your noodle bowl as inviting as your favorite takeout joint.
Side Dishes
This lo mein recipe is a meal on its own, but a few sidekick dishes can round out the feast. Steamed or roasted broccoli, quick sesame cucumbers, or even a platter of savory spring rolls are perfect partners. If you’re entertaining, serve family-style with a simple side of hot tea and something sweet for dessert—fortune cookies, anyone?
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in takeout-style paper containers or colorful noodle bowls. Top with extra veggies, crushed peanuts, or a wedge of lime for a pop of brightness. You could even offer a “build-your-own lo mein” bar at gatherings, setting out the noodles, beef, sauce, and toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as they mingle, making next-day noodles something to genuinely look forward to.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you’d like to prep ahead! Let the lo mein cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best noodle texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen things up as it warms, tossing gently to keep the noodles tender. Alternatively, microwave covered on medium power, stirring once or twice until hot throughout. Garnish with fresh green onions if you have them for that just-cooked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully here. Each brings its own character, but the flavorful sauce and mix-ins are flexible enough to pair well with any ground protein you prefer.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No worries—spaghetti or even linguine make great stand-ins. The most important thing is to cook the pasta just until tender, not mushy, so it holds up well when tossed with the beef and sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, seared tofu, or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce (check the labels) to keep it entirely plant-based without sacrificing that classic lo mein flavor.
How can I make the Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe spicier?
Add a dash of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce to the pan with the sauce ingredients. You can also toss in sliced fresh chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving if you love extra heat.
What’s the best way to get veggies perfectly cooked?
The key is cooking the vegetables just until they’re crisp-tender—not soft or mushy. Stir frequently, and be careful not to overcrowd the pan, so everything sautés rather than steams. If you like your veggies with extra crunch, shorten the cook time slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is the ultimate answer to those nights when you want something bold, fast, and wonderfully comforting. Bursting with flavors and simple to throw together, it’s a meal that never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new weeknight favorite in your household!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with this easy Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe. Tender lo mein noodles are tossed with savory ground beef and a variety of veggies in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce.
Ingredients
Lo Mein Noodles:
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in sesame oil until fully cooked. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant. Stir in carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage, cook until tender.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry in a small bowl.
- Combine: Pour sauce into skillet, add noodles, and toss until well coated and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
- Enhance with chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra flavor.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as lighter alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
