If you have ever craved the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy all wrapped up in a comforting noodle dish, this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight hero. Packed with tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade sauce that clings to every strand of lo mein noodles, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table. It’s quick, satisfying, and brilliantly customizable—making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or anytime you need a little culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every fantastic dish begins with simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in creating vibrant flavors and textures. For this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe, you’ll find that each component—from the tender beef to the crunchy snow peas—adds its own magic to the final dish.
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles: Or substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles depending on what you have; these provide the perfect chewy base.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor without too much fat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing all the flavors together in one pan.
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a soft texture.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brightens the dish with its color and crunch.
- 5 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy depth and meaty bite that complements the beef.
- 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: Adds a refreshing snap and bright green color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely visual finish.
- ¾ cup beef broth (or water): Creates a savory base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds sweet, tangy, and umami-rich notes.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: For that classic salty, savory backbone.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Brings a gentle heat to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a caramelized sweetness that complements the spice and tang.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully so it clings perfectly to the noodles.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a zingy freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable garlic aroma and flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Sauce and Ingredients
Start by whisking together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic until smooth in a bowl. Preparing the sauce ahead ensures it thickens evenly and infuses your dish with consistent flavor. Meanwhile, have all vegetables thinly sliced and ready for a quick stir-fry.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook your lo mein noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Draining the noodles promptly prevents sogginess, leaving you with a pleasantly chewy texture that complements the saucy stir-fry perfectly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until no pink remains. Don’t forget to drain excess fat if needed, which keeps the dish lighter while retaining savory richness. Once browned, set the beef aside to make room for the vegetables.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the onions until softened and fragrant. Then toss in the red bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas. Cook just until tender-crisp—the perfect textural contrast to the noodles and beef.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly, enriching every bite with that irresistible sweet-savory-spicy harmony.
Step 6: Toss with Noodles
Turn off the heat and add the drained noodles to the skillet. Give everything a good toss to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the luscious sauce, vegetables, and beef. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped scallions on top for a fresh, crunchy burst that elevates the dish with a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the deliciousness!
How to Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add amazing texture and freshness to your Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe. They’re small touches that make a big difference in presentation and flavor, giving it that homemade yet polished feel.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to create a balanced meal, consider crisp Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, a crunchy cucumber salad, or edamame sprinkled with sea salt. The lightness of these sides pairs perfectly to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner, serve this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lime to squeeze. You can also pile it inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe keeps beautifully refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the noodles from drying out or absorbing too much moisture.
Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this lo mein for up to 2 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe container, but be aware that some veggie textures may soften after thawing, so reheat gently to retain the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Stir frequently to warm evenly and revive the sauces’ shine.
FAQs
Can I use noodles other than lo mein noodles?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible and works well with spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles. The key is to cook them just al dente so they hold up when tossed with the sauce and beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust seasonings as needed to keep that deep umami flavor.
How spicy is this Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe?
The sriracha adds a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more, less, or none at all according to your preference. It’s a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. The noodles and beef are best cooked just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to get the sauce to thicken nicely?
Whisking cornstarch into the sauce ingredients before cooking is the secret to that perfect silky texture. Make sure to simmer the sauce with beef and veggies until it thickens before tossing with noodles.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about making a homemade Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe that delivers both bold flavors and satisfying textures with minimal hassle. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you—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
A flavorful and quick Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe featuring tender noodles, savory ground beef, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a delicious homemade sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish combines umami-rich ingredients with a hint of spice and sweetness.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
Ground Beef and Vegetables
- 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 Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil. Sauté sliced onions until softened and translucent. Add red bell peppers, cremini 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, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Toss Noodles: Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and ingredients. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions if using and serve the ground beef lo mein immediately while hot.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles as preferred.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce based on your spice tolerance.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to keep them al dente and avoid mushiness.
