If you are craving a flavorful, quick, and comforting noodle dish that brings the perfect marriage of savory beef and tender vegetables, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight rotation. Combining tender ground beef, crisp veggies, and slippery noodles all coated in a luscious, homemade sauce, this dish is a celebration of textures and bold, balanced flavors. Whether you’re new to lo mein or a longtime fan, this recipe is your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like takeout but made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe keeps things simple with fresh, accessible ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering unbeatable flavor and texture. From the chewy noodles to the hearty beef and vibrant vegetables, every element adds something special.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: Use authentic lo mein noodles or substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen for similar texture.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables while adding a subtle fruity background.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings a burst of color and crunch.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy flavor and meaty texture complement the beef.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: For fresh, crisp bites that brighten every mouthful.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, slightly pungent finish and nice color contrast.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): The base for the savory sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory component that enriches the sauce texture.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Salty umami boost that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adds a gentle kick of heat for balanced spice.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Introduces a bright, tangy contrast.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the savory and acidic flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to perfectly coat the noodles.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Offers a zesty warmth characteristic of traditional Asian dishes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and slight pungency.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients and Make Sauce
Before you start cooking, prep all your ingredients according to the list. Thinly slice the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, and mince the garlic and ginger. Whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth. This sauce will bring all the flavors together into a luscious coating for the noodles and beef.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles or your chosen substitute according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to be tossed with the beef and sauce later in the process. Cooking the noodles perfectly ensures they don’t get mushy once mixed into the saucy stir fry.
Step 3: Brown Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink and slightly caramelized for that deep, meaty flavor. Drain any excess fat if needed, then transfer the beef to a plate to keep it warm while you finish the veggies.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Add the olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the onions first to soften. After a few minutes, add bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook everything until the veggies are tender-crisp, bright, and full of fresh flavor. This step builds layers of texture and sweetness that balance the rich beef and noodles.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the browned beef to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the beef and veggies in a glossy, flavorful glaze that will cling impeccably to the noodles.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together so the noodles soak up that delicious sauce evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped scallions over the top just before serving. The scallions add a fresh crunch and a pop of vivid green that contrasts beautifully with the rich colors of the dish. You can also add toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for extra nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
This lo mein pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed or stir-fried vegetables, crispy egg rolls, or an Asian cucumber salad for some refreshing crunch. For a lighter option, a bowl of miso soup or hot and sour soup complements the hearty noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs. For a fun twist, try stuffing warm lettuce cups with the lo mein for handheld bites, or layer it over a bed of mixed greens for a noodle salad experience. The possibilities are endless and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor. The noodles will soak up the sauce over time, making leftovers even more flavorful.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the beef and veggies separately from the noodles. Place the beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat the beef and veggies first, then toss with freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture looks dry. Toss frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture of the noodles and crispness of the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, ramen, or even rice noodles depending on what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well in the sauce.
Is ground beef the only protein option?
Nope! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh with hearty mushrooms will work beautifully too.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The recipe includes sriracha for a little heat, but you can always omit it if you want something milder or increase it if you love spicy food. Adding fresh chili flakes or a dash of chili oil during cooking is another way to turn up the heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check that hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well, or find an alternative sauce to keep this dish safe and delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Stir frequently to warm evenly and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the noodles and toughen the beef.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves a flavorful, satisfying, and fast meal that feels special every time. It’s endlessly customizable, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. Give it a try and savor the wonderful blend of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Print
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender noodles tossed with a savory hoisin-soy sauce, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned ground beef. This quick 30-minute dish combines classic Asian-inspired flavors for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- Prep Ingredients and Make Sauce: Prepare all ingredients as listed. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, sriracha sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the thinly sliced onions until they soften. Then add the red bell pepper, cremini mushrooms, and snow peas or sugar snap peas. Cook the vegetables until tender-crisp, maintaining some crunch.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Toss with Noodles: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the noodles with the savory sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if desired and serve the Ground Beef Lo Mein immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen in a pinch.
- For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bok choy, carrots, or bean sprouts for extra nutrition and texture.
- If you prefer a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust salt accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
