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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting, and downright delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender lo mein noodles with savory, perfectly browned ground beef and vibrant veggies all coated in a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce that hits every flavor note just right. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special, this dish delivers big on flavor, texture, and satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every item on the list plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color, making the final dish as inviting to the eye as it is to your appetite.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: The perfect base for soaking up all the flavorful sauce, but feel free to swap in spaghetti or linguine if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein and a comforting hearty texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing veggies to bring out their sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sweetness and subtle crunch to the mix.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Offers vibrant color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Boosts umami and earthy depth to complement the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: Adds a delightful snap and freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): A fresh, mildly oniony finish that brightens each bite.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): Builds the savory sauce base to keep everything luscious and moist.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, tangy complexity that’s quintessential to authentic lo mein.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Essential saltiness and depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: A touch of heat to awaken your palate.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Balances out the sweetness with a gentle acidity.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel undertones to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to your noodles and beef.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Delivers a bright, peppery zing to lift the whole dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the recipe with aromatic depth and a little pungency.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prep Ingredients and Make Sauce
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients exactly as listed. Thinly slice your onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to ensure they cook evenly, and mince the garlic with freshly grated ginger for maximum flavor. Then whisk together the sauce ingredients — beef broth, hoisin, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch — until perfectly smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish and sets the stage for that irresistible lo mein flavor.
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until they reach that ideal al dente texture—tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside. This step ensures the noodles absorb the sauce without becoming mushy later on.
Step 3: Brown Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Brown it well, breaking it up as it cooks until there’s no pink left and it develops those gorgeous browned bits that add depth of flavor. Drain off any excess fat if necessary, then remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside so you can use the same pan to layer in even more flavor with the vegetables.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
Add the olive oil to the same skillet and begin by sautéing the thinly sliced onions until softened and fragrant. Follow with the red bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas or sugar snap peas. Cook until the veggies are tender yet still crisp, providing a wonderful contrast to the tender ground beef and noodles.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the beef and veggies in a glossy, flavorful glaze that ties all the elements together.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the drained noodles, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and mingling perfectly with the beef and crisp-tender veggies. Give it a quick taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to make the flavors pop that much more.
Step 7: Serve
Dish out generous servings, optionally topping each plate with a sprinkle of chopped scallions for a fresh, slightly pungent finish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every comforting bite of this crowd-pleasing Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe.
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped scallions is a fantastic way to add a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, or drizzle a little extra sriracha for those who crave a bit more spicy heat. These simple touches take your presentation from home-cooked to restaurant-worthy without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, consider serving it alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas to deepen the veggie quotient. A light Asian cucumber salad or a side of egg rolls can add exciting texture and contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the lo mein in individual lettuce cups for handheld bites at a casual gathering or family-style in a large shallow bowl for easy sharing. Adding a wedge of lime on the side invites diners to add a citrusy zing if they desire, elevating the flavors with a refreshing tang. However you present it, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe always captivates hearts and taste buds alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers especially satisfying. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to re-moisten the noodles and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave, but be sure to cover the dish and add a little liquid to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef adds hearty richness, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly.
What if I can’t find lo mein noodles?
No problem at all! Spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles work beautifully as substitutes. Just cook them according to package instructions and treat them the same in the recipe. The sauce and veggies will coat them just as well.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
The heat comes from the sriracha, which you can adjust to your liking. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce or omit the sriracha. For an extra kick, feel free to add more or sprinkle some chili flakes when serving.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile! Feel free to add carrots, baby corn, broccoli florets, or even bok choy to ramp up the veggie content and add extra texture and nutrition to your lo mein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional lo mein noodles contain wheat, so to keep this recipe gluten-free, swap the noodles for rice noodles or another gluten-free noodle option, and use gluten-free soy sauce. This swap won’t sacrifice any of the delicious flavor you love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite for busy nights and friendly gatherings alike. It’s quick to make, packed with layers of flavor, and versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it might just become your new weeknight dinner obsession!
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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-American
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender noodles, savory ground beef, and vibrant vegetables coated in a rich hoisin-soy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish offers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and noodles with a touch of spicy sriracha for a delightful kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 ingredients as listed by slicing the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and chopping the garlic and ginger. In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients including beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the sliced onions until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken slightly, coating the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Toss with Noodles: Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce and mixed evenly with beef and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if desired and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles if unavailable.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust or omit the sriracha sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content in the dish.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free soy sauce alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
