There is something irresistibly comforting about this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe that makes it a treasured staple in my kitchen. Rich, savory ground beef mingles effortlessly with tender noodles and crisp, vibrant vegetables, all brought together by a luscious, homemade sauce that hits every craving spot. Whether you are new to Asian-inspired cooking or looking for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish is your go-to for its simplicity, flavor balance, and speedy preparation. Once you discover how easily this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe comes together, it will quickly become a favorite meal that feels both special and familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor just right in this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that bring color, texture, and bold taste to the table. Each element, from the crisp snap peas to the rich ginger, plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: Or substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles for a flexible noodle base.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty foundation.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding subtle richness.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant color and a slight crunch.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy notes that complement the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: Lightly sweet and crisp, they lift the dish’s texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring the flavors to life.
- Chopped scallions (optional): A fresh, oniony garnish adding brightness.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): Forms the base of the savory sauce.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy, it’s the heart of the sauce’s complexity.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: A touch of heat to kick things up.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Adds a gentle brightness and balances sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally and creates a nice glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect coating consistency.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Infuses warmth and subtle spice notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and savory richness.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sauce
Before anything hits the stove, whisk together the beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. This creates a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat every bite of your dish, delivering umami, sweetness, and just the right kick of heat.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook your lo mein noodles according to the package directions until they reach al dente perfection. Al dente noodles are tender but still have a little bite, which keeps the texture lively in the final dish. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside, ready for the sauce to work its magic.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
With a hot skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef evenly, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat if needed, and remove the beef from the skillet to keep things tidy while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 4: Sauté Your Veggies
Add olive oil to the same skillet and gently sauté the sliced onion until it softens and becomes translucent. Then toss in the bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. Stir-fry these until they’re tender-crisp, a texture that makes every bite interesting and fresh.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned beef to the skillet with the vegetables, then pour in your prepared sauce. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and vegetables beautifully. This step ensures every element is bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked noodles to the mix. Toss everything together carefully so that every strand of noodle is evenly coated in the savory, slightly spicy sauce. Finish with salt and pepper to your taste—it’s the final seasoning touch that pulls it all together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the perfect presentation, sprinkle the dish with some chopped scallions if you love an extra punch of freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, comforting textures and the incredible harmony of flavors this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe offers.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped scallions or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds bring a bright and slightly nutty contrast to your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe. These simple touches add both visual appeal and layers of flavor that make every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing side dishes such as a cucumber salad or steamed bok choy. The crunch and subtle flavors of these sides balance the richly sauced noodles, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in large lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist, or layer it over cauliflower rice to lighten it up while keeping all that satisfying flavor intact. Presentation is a wonderful way to keep this favorite fresh and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra? Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up the sauce overnight, which actually intensifies the flavors, making your leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months if necessary. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, textures may soften slightly, but the comforting flavors of the Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe will still shine through.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the lo mein in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving for best results, as the noodles can dry out. This helps maintain the vibrant textures and ensures it tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can easily substitute ground beef in this recipe. Keep the cooking times similar, but adjust seasonings slightly to complement the chosen meat’s flavor.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No worries at all! Spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work well as substitutes. Just cook to al dente for the best texture and enjoy your versatile Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes sriracha, adding a mild heat that you can adjust to your preference. Feel free to reduce or omit the sriracha if you prefer a gentler flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for firm tofu or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps all the delicious flavors and textures while fitting a vegetarian diet.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes total—15 for prepping and 15 for cooking—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like gathering around a plate of homemade Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe to share warmth, bold flavors, and comfort after a long day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Once you experience how easy it is to create such a delicious meal, it’ll quickly earn a special spot in your dinner rotation. 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: Chinese-American
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender lo mein noodles tossed with a savory sauce, lean ground beef, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines tender-crisp bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, and onions with a balanced Asian-inspired sauce that is sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
Meat and Veggies
- 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 the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned evenly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and remove beef from skillet, setting it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the sliced onions until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas, cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp, around 4-5 minutes.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss with noodles: Remove skillet from heat and add the drained noodles. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions on top if desired, and serve the lo mein immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
- Adjust sriracha quantity based on your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with firm tofu or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crisp texture.
- To save time, prepare the sauce while noodles are cooking.
