If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender lo mein noodles mingle with savory ground beef and crisp veggies, all coated in a rich, tangy sauce that hits every note—from sweet to spicy to umami-rich. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a special treat but without any fuss. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but work perfectly together, creating a balance of textures and flavors that bring the dish to life. Each element plays its part: the noodles provide the base, the ground beef adds heartiness, and the fresh vegetables bring color and crunch.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles): Your carb foundation, choose what you have on hand for convenience and texture.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds juicy, savory depth and protein to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Needed for sautéing and bringing all the flavors together.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Provides sweetness and aromatic background.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a pop of vibrant color.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy notes and meaty texture that complement the beef.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: Freshness and a crisp bite to contrast the noodles.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning to bring out the flavors.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, mild oniony finish and pretty garnish.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): Forms the savory base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Brings sweet and tangy complexity.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds salty and umami punch while keeping sodium in check.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives just the right amount of heat to wake up the taste buds.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Brightens and balances the sauce with acidity.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens and helps the sauce caramelize slightly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a luscious coating.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Adds warm, zesty undertones.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential savory aroma and flavor builder.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by whisking together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. This gives you a smooth, flavorful sauce that will bring everything together with that signature tangy-sweet and slightly spicy groove.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles until al dente, following the package instructions carefully. Overcooked noodles can get mushy, so timing here is key. Once ready, drain and set aside so they’re primed to soak up that fantastic sauce later.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until it’s cooked through and nicely crumbled. Drain any excess fat if you need to keep the dish lighter. Removing the beef from the skillet for now frees you up to sauté the vegetables without overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the olive oil and toss in the onions, cooking them until they begin to soften and release their sweetness. Then stir in the red bell peppers, cremini mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook everything until the vegetables are tender but still have some snap, offering a wonderful contrast to the noodles and beef.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer so the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients beautifully. The aroma at this stage is downright irresistible.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the cooked noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the savory sauce. This is where the dish truly comes together, each bite promising that delectable mix of flavors and textures you crave. Season with salt and pepper to perfectly suit your taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped scallions over the top for a pop of color and freshness if you like. Serve immediately while everything is hot and inviting, getting ready to enjoy one of the best quick meals in your recipe collection.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped scallions add a delightful crispness and bright flavor that lifts the whole dish. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or add a drizzle of extra sriracha for heat lovers who like it fiery. These little touches take presentation and flavor to another level.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a light cucumber salad or steamed bok choy can round out the meal nicely. For a heartier spread, serve alongside some crispy egg rolls or dumplings to really celebrate the flavors of Asian comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your lo mein in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite or on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also transform leftovers into a stir-fry bowl with added fresh herbs and crunchy nuts for a new take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option that tastes just as good when reheated carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze this lo mein, but due to the noodles, texture might change slightly after thawing. If freezing, portion it into freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Heating slowly helps maintain the noodles’ texture and preserves the sauce’s richness without turning the dish soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles all work well, giving you some flexibility based on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it rich and flavorful.
How spicy is the Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
The heat comes mainly from the sriracha, so you can adjust the quantity to your liking or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all the vegetables and sauce ahead but cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture. Portioning the dish after cooking and refrigerating works well for easy reheating later.
What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a dash of vinegar can mimic a similar sweet-savory taste, though nothing beats the original flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is downright irresistible, whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself. It’s quick, flavorful, and hits all those satisfying cravings for a hearty noodle bowl without requiring hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to meal when you need something delicious and fuss-free. Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender noodles, savory ground beef, and crisp vegetables coated in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines classic Asian flavors with simple ingredients to bring a satisfying meal to your table in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)
Sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water)
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Sauce: Prepare all ingredients as listed. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the thinly sliced onions until softened. Add the bell peppers, cremini mushrooms, and snow peas or sugar snap peas and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables well.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the cooked noodles into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce, beef, and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped scallions if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Lo mein noodles can be substituted with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles for convenience.
- Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef helps keep the dish from being greasy.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or bok choy for more texture and nutrition.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
