Name: Ground Beef Lo Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup water

Ground beef lo mein is the perfect solution for weeknights when you’re craving takeout flavors without the wait or price tag. With its tender noodles, savory beef, and colorful mix of veggies tossed in a delicious soy-based sauce, this dish brings comfort and bold flavor straight to your table in under 30 minutes.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a budget-friendly dinner with Asian-inspired flair, this ground beef lo mein delivers big flavor without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein

This dish is a fast-track to flavor. It’s quick to prep, cooks in a single skillet, and satisfies that lo mein craving without the extra sodium or cost of takeout. Plus, it’s flexible: switch up the veggies, add chili flakes for heat, or use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version. It’s a meal prep dream too—leftovers reheat beautifully.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use for Lo Mein?

Traditional lo mein uses soft egg noodles, which you can find fresh or dried at most grocery stores. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, feel free to substitute with spaghetti or linguine. The key is to cook them al dente and toss them quickly with the sauce so they soak up all that savory goodness without getting soggy.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Lo Mein

This dish comes together with simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The magic is in the sauce and how everything is stir-fried quickly to lock in texture and flavor.

Ground beef: The star of the show, lean ground beef adds rich, savory flavor and cooks quickly.
Lo mein noodles (or spaghetti): These soak up all the sauce and provide that signature chewy texture.
Soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth and forms the base of the sauce.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way to bring nutty aroma and authentic flavor.
Garlic: Essential for adding that savory punch.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brightens the dish and gives it a subtle zing.
Brown sugar: Balances out the salty soy with a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps the sauce cling to the noodles and thicken perfectly.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and color. Julienne or shred them for quick cooking.
Bell peppers: Choose red, yellow, or green for crunch and brightness.
Green onions: Stirred in at the end for fresh, sharp flavor.

How To Make the Ground Beef Lo Mein

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Cook your lo mein noodles (or spaghetti) in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a splash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about a minute until fragrant. This sets the stage for flavor.

Step 4: Toss in Veggies

Add your carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. You want them vibrant and full of bite.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch with a splash of water. Pour this into the skillet and stir to coat everything.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Finish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Lo Mein

This recipe serves 4 hungry people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Serve it hot right from the skillet or pack it in containers for weekday lunches. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat best in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Lo Mein?

Steamed Dumplings

These little pockets of flavor make the perfect appetizer to pair with lo mein.

Egg Rolls

Crispy and golden, egg rolls bring a fun crunch to your plate.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

A chilled cucumber salad with chili oil adds refreshing heat and balance.

Miso Soup

Light and soothing, miso soup is a comforting contrast to the savory noodles.

Stir-Fried Broccoli

Extra greens go well with the richness of the beef and noodles.

Fried Rice

Double down on takeout-style favorites by serving lo mein with a scoop of homemade fried rice.

Sweet Chili Wings

If you want to go big, add wings glazed in sweet chili sauce for a full feast.

Want More Noodle Dinner Ideas?

If you love this hearty Ground Beef Lo Mein, you might also fall in love with these cozy, savory pasta recipes from the blog:

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or switch up the noodles? Did you go spicy or keep it mild?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better, faster, and tastier.

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