If you are craving a comforting, quick, and incredibly flavorful meal, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. Perfectly tossed noodles mingle with seasoned ground beef and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich, savory sauce that hits every note of sweet, salty, and tangy. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or craving takeout vibes at home, this dish is a delightful crowd-pleaser that comes together effortlessly while packing a punch of deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Each element adds its own magic—whether it’s the tender noodles, juicy beef, or crisp vegetables balancing texture and flavor beautifully.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: The ideal base that soaks up the sauce perfectly. Substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen if needed.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty, rich flavor with just the right amount of protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and build flavor.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch to the dish.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild sweetness.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Earthy depth and meaty texture that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: A crisp, slightly sweet addition for perfect crunch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): A fresh, zesty final touch.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy richness that defines the sauce’s character.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and salty depth without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adds brightness and a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a refreshing tang.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally and balances acidity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Offers warmth and a citrusy zing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and savory underpinning for the whole dish.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Sauce
Before diving into cooking, get all your ingredients prepped—vegetables sliced, garlic minced, and noodles ready. Whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until smooth. This sauce will become the soul of your dish, marrying the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil your noodles according to the package instructions until al dente—meaning just tender with a slight bite. This texture ensures they don’t get mushy later. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to mix in once everything else is cooked.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until nicely browned and cooked through. This step is key to developing that rich, hearty flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside—it will join the rest of the ingredients shortly.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the onions until soft and fragrant. Toss in the sliced red bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook until these veggies turn tender-crisp, maintaining a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the noodles and beef.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with your sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook just until the sauce thickens slightly, coating every ingredient with that irresistible savory glaze.
Step 6: Mix in the Noodles
Remove the skillet from the heat, add the cooked noodles, and toss everything together thoroughly. This step ensures each strand is luxuriously coated in the flavorful sauce. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped scallions across the top for a fresh pop of color and subtle brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal combination of warm, saucy noodles and perfectly cooked ground beef and vegetables.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of garnish takes this dish from hearty to restaurant-quality. Chopped scallions lend a fresh, zesty crunch, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds offers a nutty finish. Fresh cilantro or a light drizzle of sesame oil can further elevate the flavor and aroma.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes. A crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even some garlic bok choy complement the meal with fresh crunch and balance. You might also serve it alongside crispy spring rolls for an indulgent, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to step up the presentation? Serve the lo mein in individual bowls layered with extra scallions and chili flakes for heat lovers. You could even plate it inside a hollowed-out bell pepper or nestle it beside a fried egg for a fun, hearty twist. These small touches make the dish more exciting and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Storing the noodles separately is optional but can help maintain their texture if you expect to reheat later.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for longer storage. Place cooled lo mein in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness and encourage the sauce to loosen back up. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often to heat evenly. Avoid overheating to maintain the noodle’s texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives this dish a rich flavor, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used for a lighter or varied taste. Adjust cooking times slightly since leaner meats may cook faster.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce on hand?
Hoisin sauce gives a unique sweet and tangy profile, but if you don’t have it, consider mixing soy sauce with a little honey or molasses and a splash of vinegar to mimic its depth. It won’t be exact, but your lo mein will still taste fantastic.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Increase the mushrooms and vegetables to maintain heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
What noodles work best for Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
Lo mein noodles are traditional and ideal because they’re tender and chewy, but spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles can work beautifully if you don’t have lo mein on hand. Just be sure to cook them al dente to avoid sogginess.
Is this dish spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The sriracha adds a gentle kick, but the heat level is mild and customizable. If you prefer a milder version, reduce or omit the sriracha. For extra spice, add more sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is a wonderfully satisfying dish that combines ease, flavors, and nutrition in one simple skillet. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something comforting yet impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it becomes a cherished favorite in your meal plans!
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
A flavorful and quick Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender noodles and a savory homemade sauce, loaded with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 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
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Sauce: Prepare all ingredients as listed and thinly slice the vegetables. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until smooth to create the sauce.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the onions until softened. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas, cooking until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Toss Noodles: Remove the skillet from heat, then add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if using, and serve the lo mein hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the lo mein noodles with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles for convenience.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of sriracha sauce according to your preference.
- Vegetables can be varied based on availability; snap peas, carrots, or bok choy all work well.
- For a lower-sodium dish, use low-sodium soy sauce and broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
