If you are on the lookout for a quick, satisfying, and absolutely crave-worthy dinner, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Combining tender lo mein noodles with savory ground beef and vibrant veggies, all coated in a rich, perfectly balanced sauce, this dish brings together comfort and freshness in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress anyone at your table—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that you might already have on hand, and each one plays a pivotal role. From the chewy lo mein noodles to the mix of colorful vegetables, these components come together to create a well-rounded dish with a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: These soft, slightly chewy noodles are the foundation of the dish, absorbing all the delicious sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and a rich, meaty base that’s perfectly seasoned.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to a tender-crisp finish without sticking.
- 1/2 medium onion (thin strips): Brings a subtle sweetness and crunch to every bite.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (thin strips): Adds vibrant color and a touch of fresh, sweet flavor.
- 5 ounces mushrooms (sliced): Earthy undertones that complement the meat and veggies beautifully.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: For that perfect snap and fresh green pop.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 3/4 cup beef broth or water: Helps create the luscious sauce to tie everything together.
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweet and tangy Asian-inspired flavor depth.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Boosts umami and saltiness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Gives just the right kick of heat to keep things exciting.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider or rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For a hint of caramelized sweetness to mellow the spices.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a silky texture, perfectly clinging to noodles.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brightens the dish with a warm, zesty aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers essential savory depth that wakes up every bite.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Whisk the Sauce
Start by prepping everything—slice your onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms; mince the garlic; and grate the ginger. Then, whisk together the hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. This flavorful sauce is the heart of the dish and will tie every element together perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Lo Mein Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Timing is key here—ideally, the noodles are ready just as your stir-fry finishes so they stay perfectly tender with an ideal chew without becoming mushy. Remember to avoid overcooking to keep the texture spot-on.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step creates those flavorful browned bits that add incredible depth. Once cooked, drain excess fat if needed and set the beef aside on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté Onions and Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the olive oil and toss in the onions. Sauté for about a minute until they start to soften. Then, add the red bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are tender-crisp—maintaining that snappy texture is key for a fresh, vibrant dish.
Step 5: Combine Beef, Sauce, and Veggies
Return the browned ground beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 30 seconds until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly, coating the meat and veggies in glossy, flavorful goodness.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles and Finish
Drain the noodles and add them straight to the skillet. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle is deliciously coated. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste. If you like, sprinkle some chopped scallions on top for an extra fresh finish. Then, dig in!
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped scallions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds gives this dish a bright, fresh bite and a subtle nutty crunch that takes it from great to unforgettable. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also add unexpected brightness.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe shines as a standalone dish, but pairing it with a light Asian-inspired side like steamed dumplings, a crisp cucumber salad, or simple edamame makes for a well-rounded, balanced meal that keeps things interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your lo mein in individual lettuce cups for a handheld delight or plate it alongside crispy wonton chips for extra texture contrast. Even layering it over a bed of fresh greens or garnishing with crushed peanuts adds a visually stunning and flavorful surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein tastes fantastic reheated, making it a perfect lunch or dinner for the next day. Store the cooled dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save this recipe for later, Ground Beef Lo Mein freezes well. Portion it out into airtight containers or freezer bags and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the noodles might soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the lo mein gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything heated evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain that lovely saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle in this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or other egg noodles if lo mein isn’t available. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so they don’t overcook.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or cooked mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit any animal-based ingredients.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust it?
The sriracha adds a mild to moderate heat level that complements the other flavors nicely. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the sriracha; for more heat, add extra or top with chili flakes.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! Whisking the sauce ahead of time saves prep time when cooking. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it another quick whisk before adding it to the skillet.
What’s the best way to keep the vegetables crisp?
Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. Cooking them just until tender-crisp, around 3 to 4 minutes, preserves their color, texture, and fresh flavor, giving great contrast to the soft noodles and ground beef.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting yet exciting about this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It’s quick to make, packed with flavors, and offers that satisfying blend of tender noodles, savory beef, and crisp veggies that everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress friends with an easy Asian-inspired meal, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such a delicious, memorable dish.
Print
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
A delicious and easy Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe combining tender lo mein noodles with savory ground beef and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful hoisin-soy sauce mixture. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings the taste of Chinese takeout to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
Sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1/4 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 grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped scallions for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, low sodium soy sauce, sriracha sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions, about 5 minutes, aiming to have them ready as the stir fry finishes. Drain and set aside, being careful not to overcook.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed, then transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Using the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the sliced onion for about a minute until slightly softened.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, mushrooms, and snow peas to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. For softer vegetables, cook a bit longer if desired.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well. Allow the mixture to bubble for about 30 seconds, then remove the pan from heat.
- Toss Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the noodles to maintain their texture for best results.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the spice level.
- If you prefer gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
