Savory, Saucy, and Flavor-Packed Noodles Tossed with Ground Beef and Crisp Vegetables
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a quick and satisfying take on a classic takeout favorite. Tender noodles are tossed with seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite.
It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep, family meals, or whenever you’re craving Chinese-inspired takeout at home. The recipe comes together quickly in one skillet or wok, making it both easy and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein
- Quick and easy weeknight meal
- Made with simple ingredients
- Packed with savory flavor
- Uses budget-friendly ground beef
- Great way to add vegetables
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients
For the Lo Mein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain well and set aside.
Toss the noodles with a small amount of vegetable oil if needed to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
Set aside.
Preparing the sauce ahead of time makes it easier to add everything quickly once the stir-fry begins.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the vegetable oil and ground beef.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage to the skillet.
Stir-fry for approximately 3–5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Avoid overcooking them so they retain some texture.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles.
Toss continuously for approximately 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles and beef evenly.
Cook until everything is hot and glossy.
Step 7: Add the Green Onions
Stir in most of the sliced green onions.
Reserve a small amount for garnishing.
Cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the Ground Beef Lo Mein to serving bowls or a large platter.
Top with the remaining green onions and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Lo Mein
Don’t overcook the noodles
Cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the hot beef and sauce.
Use high heat
A hot skillet or wok helps the vegetables cook quickly while maintaining their crisp texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
If your skillet is small, cook the ingredients in batches to avoid steaming everything.
Drain excess grease
Ground beef can release quite a bit of fat. Drain some of it before adding the vegetables if necessary.
Toss the noodles gently
Use tongs to combine the noodles with the beef, vegetables, and sauce without breaking them apart.
Adjust the sauce to taste
For a saltier flavor, add a little more soy sauce. For extra sweetness, add a small amount of brown sugar or hoisin sauce.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Ground Beef Lo Mein
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers.
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Add steamed or stir-fried broccoli florets for extra vegetables and texture.
Ground Beef and Mushroom Lo Mein
Add sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables for a rich, savory flavor.
Teriyaki Beef Lo Mein
Replace part of the sauce with your favorite teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor.
Ginger Garlic Lo Mein
Increase the fresh ginger and garlic for a more aromatic version.
Beef and Snow Pea Lo Mein
Add fresh snow peas for a crisp, slightly sweet vegetable component.
Extra-Vegetable Lo Mein
Add zucchini, bok choy, bean sprouts, or broccoli to make the dish even more colorful and filling.
What to Serve With It
Ground Beef Lo Mein is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Dumplings
- Vegetable fried rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Asian cucumber salad
- Stir-fried green beans
- Edamame
- Wonton soup
- Steamed vegetables
For a complete takeout-style dinner, serve it with crispy egg rolls and steamed vegetables.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Ground Beef Lo Mein is excellent for meal prep.
You can cook the beef, vegetables, noodles, and sauce ahead of time and store everything together in airtight containers.
For the best texture, slightly undercook the noodles before storing because they will soften further when reheated.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce.
Storage
Store leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
If the noodles become dry, add a small splash of water, soy sauce, or broth while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes. Spaghetti, linguine, or other long noodles can work well if traditional lo mein noodles aren’t available.
Can I use another type of ground meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for the ground beef.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes. You can substitute hoisin sauce or use a little extra soy sauce, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, bean sprouts, bok choy, and zucchini are all excellent additions.
Can I make Ground Beef Lo Mein spicy?
Yes. Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chili peppers.
Can I freeze Ground Beef Lo Mein?
Yes, although the noodles may soften slightly after freezing and reheating. Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Lo Mein is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout meal at home. Tender noodles, savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich soy-based sauce come together in one delicious skillet.
It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, flexible enough to customize with your favorite vegetables, and flavorful enough to satisfy the whole family.
