This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for satisfying your takeout cravings. Tender ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and long noodles are coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, creating a delicious and convenient dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less stress! This recipe comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of savory sauce, tender beef, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying meal that you can customize with your favorite type of noodles.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving a takeout-style dish but don’t have the time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Ground Beef Lo Mein:
- Lo mein noodles: Or any other type of Asian-style noodles, such as ramen noodles, spaghetti, or linguine.
- Lean ground beef: Use your preferred fat content for the ground beef.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion: Cut into thin strips, for flavor and texture.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced into thin strips, for color, sweetness, and crunch.
- Mushrooms: Sliced, for a savory and earthy flavor. Cremini mushrooms are recommended, but you can use your favorite variety.
- Snow peas or sugar snap peas: Adds a crisp and fresh element.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Chopped scallions: Optional, for garnish.
For the Sauce:
- Beef broth or water: Forms the base of the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of umami.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Sriracha sauce: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Grated, adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Prepare all the ingredients beforehand. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: beef broth (or water), hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If necessary, drain off any excess grease. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate or bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and sauté for about a minute, or until slightly softened. Add the sliced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and snow peas (or sugar snap peas) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You can cook them for a bit longer if you prefer them softer.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir to combine. Let the mixture bubble for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles and Serve
Add the cooked and drained noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat them evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the ground beef, vegetables, and sauce ingredients, the better the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook the noodles to al dente so they don’t become mushy in the stir fry.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bean sprouts, to the stir fry.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein
- Main Course: This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired main courses.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute the lo mein noodles with other types of noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef or substitute it with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. The texture may change slightly after freezing.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or serve with a side of chili garlic sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Ground Beef Lo Mein that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintGround Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor. Tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles are tossed in a savory sauce for a satisfying and convenient dish.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 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)
For the 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 freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients and Make Sauce: Prepare all ingredients as listed. In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, if necessary. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add olive oil to the skillet and sauté onions until softened. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas (or sugar snap peas). Cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss with Noodles: Remove from heat and add cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Noodles: Substitute lo mein noodles with other long pasta varieties or ramen noodles.
- Hoisin Sauce: Find hoisin sauce in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg