If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and satisfies every time, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed with savory ground beef and a medley of vibrant veggies, all coated in a luscious sauce bursting with sweet, tangy, and umami notes, this recipe brings a perfect harmony of textures and flavors to your plate. It’s so simple, yet so utterly delicious, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients, and this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is no exception. These carefully chosen items not only bring wonderful flavor but also keep the dish balanced, colorful, and satisfyingly textured.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: The soft, chewy noodles create the perfect base for soaking up that savory sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing vegetables and beef to golden perfection.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness that deepens as it cooks.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings a pop of color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Lends earthiness and a tender bite to balance the veggies.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: Delivers fresh, crisp texture and bright green vibrancy.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): Fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony zing and color contrast.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): The savory base for the sauce that ties everything together.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy with a hint of complexity, vital for that authentic Asian flair.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Brings a subtle kick of heat for excitement.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Offers brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetness that softens the savory elements perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a luscious coating on every ingredient.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a fresh zing that awakens the palate.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Builds savory foundation and aromatic depth.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients and Make Sauce
Start by prepping all your ingredients: slice the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and chop the garlic and ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until completely smooth. This sauce will be the magic that ties all the flavors together.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lo mein noodles (or alternative noodles like spaghetti or linguine) according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up the saucy goodness later.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting greasy, then remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the sliced onions and cook until they soften and become fragrant. Next, add the red bell pepper, mushrooms, and snow peas or sugar snap peas. Cook them until they are crisp-tender, maintaining that lovely crunch that contrasts with the noodles.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the beef and veggies beautifully with its glossy finish.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Remove the skillet from heat and add in your cooked noodles. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every strand is delicately covered in the flavorful sauce. Give it a taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions on top adds a refreshing pop of color and a light oniony crunch that complements the rich beef and sauce perfectly. You can also add a few sesame seeds for an extra nutty twist.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli, or a light cucumber salad for a crisp contrast. For something heartier, consider serving it alongside egg rolls or potstickers for a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lo mein in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. Alternatively, place the lo mein inside lettuce wraps for a hand-held bite or plate it over a bed of stir-fried greens for extra veggies in every mouthful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein thoroughly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient, delicious lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
While freezing lo mein can sometimes change the noodle texture slightly, if you want to freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, sealing them tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. This will keep your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe tasting fresh and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles work beautifully as well. Just cook them according to package directions and enjoy the flavors just the same.
Is it possible to make this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra firm tofu. You can also increase the variety of vegetables to keep it filling and flavorful.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes sriracha sauce, which adds a mild to moderate heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or skip it altogether for a milder dish.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin isn’t available, a mix of soy sauce with a little honey or molasses and a touch of garlic powder can approximate that sweet-savory flavor well in a pinch.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and chop all the vegetables a day ahead. Even the noodles can be cooked and refrigerated, then quickly reheated and tossed with the rest when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is one of those remarkable dishes that brings comfort, vibrant flavors, and ease all into one satisfying plate. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a household favorite—perfect for busy nights or whenever you want a bowl of pure, saucy happiness. Give it a go and share it with those you love; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and chewy lo mein noodles tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes and offers a delicious balance of textures and Asian-inspired flavors.
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 the ingredients by slicing the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, and gathering the other ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring continuously, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the sliced onion until it softens and becomes translucent. Then add the bell pepper, mushrooms, and snow peas or sugar snap peas. Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, maintaining a slight bite.
- Combine and Finish: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients well.
- Toss with Noodles: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired, and serve the Ground Beef Lo Mein immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
- Use plenty of vegetables to add color, nutrition, and crunch to the dish.
- The sauce can be adjusted for spice level by increasing or reducing sriracha.
- Lo mein noodles can be substituted with spaghetti or ramen noodles if unavailable.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth.
- Ensure not to overcook the vegetables to keep them crisp and vibrant.
- This recipe reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
