Quick & Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe – Perfect Weeknight Dinner Idea!

Table of Contents: Ground Beef Lo Mein

Ground Beef Lo Mein

Craving takeout but short on time? This Ground Beef Lo Mein delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes! Packed with tender noodles, savory beef, and crisp veggies, it’s the perfect quick beef noodle stir-fry for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.

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Introduction: Ground Beef Lo Mein

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a steaming plate of homemade lo mein—tender noodles coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce, paired with juicy ground beef and crunchy vegetables. This easy homemade lo mein recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want a delicious, restaurant-style meal without the hassle.

Unlike traditional lo mein, which often calls for thinly sliced beef, this version uses ground beef for a quicker cook time and budget-friendly twist. The Asian-inspired sauce—a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, and a touch of brown sugar—creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

This dish is ideal for:
– Quick weeknight dinners (ready in under 30 minutes!)
– Family-friendly meals (kids love the mild yet flavorful sauce)
– Meal prep (stores and reheats beautifully)

Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned home chef, this ground beef Asian noodles dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, depending on regional preferences and ingredient swaps. You might also know it as:
– Quick Beef Noodle Stir-Fry
– Easy Homemade Lo Mein with Ground Beef
– Asian-Style Ground Beef Noodles

Variation Idea: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add extra veggies like snap peas or mushrooms for more texture.

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Ingredients: Ground Beef Lo Mein

Ground Beef Lo Mein

For the best ground beef lo mein, gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients:

• – 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti (see FAQ for noodle tips)
• – 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• – 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil for higher heat)
• – 1 cup shredded carrots (or matchstick-cut)
• – 2 cups shredded green cabbage (or coleslaw mix for convenience)
• – 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (adds sweetness and crunch)
• – 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
• – 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
• – 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
• – ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• – 2 tbsp oyster sauce (essential for depth of flavor)
• – 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (adds sweetness and richness)
• – 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances the saltiness)
• – ½ tsp toasted sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
• – ¼ cup beef broth or water (to loosen the sauce)
• – ¼ tsp black pepper
• – Optional garnish: sesame seeds or extra green onions

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect ground beef lo mein every time:

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Push beef to one side of the pan. Add white parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add Vegetables: Toss in carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

5. Make the Sauce: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame oil, beef broth, and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

6. Combine Noodles & Beef: Add cooked noodles to the pan. Use tongs to toss everything together until noodles are fully coated in sauce.

7. Finish & Garnish: Sprinkle with green onion tops and sesame seeds. Serve immediately!

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of rice vinegar or mirin before adding the sauce.

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Recipe Card (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 per serving

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Ground Beef Hack: Using ground beef instead of sliced steak cuts prep time in half while keeping the dish hearty and flavorful.
– Sauce Perfection: The combo of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin creates an umami-rich base that clings to every noodle.
– Veggie Flexibility: Swap or add veggies based on what’s in your fridge—bok choy, mushrooms, or zucchini work great.

Pro Tip: For crisp-tender veggies, stir-fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freeze: Portion cooled lo mein into freezer bags (sauce may thicken; add a splash of broth when reheating).
– Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a little water or broth to refresh the noodles.

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People Also Ask: Ground Beef Lo Mein

Ground Beef Lo Mein

What kind of noodles are used for lo mein?

Traditional lo mein uses wheat-based egg noodles, which are thick, chewy, and hold sauce well. If unavailable, spaghetti or linguine makes a great substitute. Avoid rice noodles (used in pad thai) or thin vermicelli, as they won’t provide the same texture.

What is the difference between lo mein and chow mein?

The key difference lies in preparation: lo mein means “tossed noodles,” where cooked noodles are mixed with sauce and ingredients. Chow mein means “fried noodles,” where noodles are crisped in the pan. Lo mein is saucier, while chow mein has a crunchier texture.

Can I add other vegetables to ground beef lo mein?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—try adding snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn. Just ensure veggies are thinly sliced for quick cooking. Frozen stir-fry blends also work in a pinch.

How do you make lo mein sauce from scratch?

A simple homemade lo mein sauce includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Adjust ratios to taste—add a splash of rice vinegar for tang or chili paste for heat.

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Conclusion: Ground Beef Lo Mein

This quick beef noodle stir-fry is proof that homemade takeout can be faster, healthier, and tastier than delivery! With its savory-sweet sauce, tender noodles, and customizable veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Try it tonight and share your results with us in the comments!

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Enjoy your homemade Ground Beef Lo Mein! 🍜

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