There’s something about a big bowl of saucy noodles that just makes dinner feel a little more exciting. And when those noodles are tossed with savory ground beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce? Oh, you’re going to want seconds!
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is one of those recipes that looks like you spent much longer in the kitchen than you actually did. The noodles are chewy, the beef is wonderfully savory, and every bite is coated in that delicious sweet-and-salty sauce.
I especially love this recipe on busy nights because it comes together quickly and uses ingredients that are easy to find. No complicated techniques. No fancy equipment. Just one seriously satisfying noodle dinner!
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What Is Ground Beef Lo Mein?
Lo mein is a Chinese-inspired noodle dish traditionally made with wheat-based noodles tossed with vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce.
This version keeps things simple by using ground beef instead of sliced steak or another protein. The ground beef cooks quickly and spreads throughout the noodles, so you get a little savory beef in practically every bite.
The result is saucy, hearty, slightly sweet, wonderfully savory, and loaded with texture.
And the best part?
You can customize it with whatever vegetables you already have in the refrigerator!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein
There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
It’s quick
Once your ingredients are prepped, everything cooks very quickly. This makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when everyone is hungry and patience is running low!
It’s incredibly flavorful
The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness gives the noodles that irresistible takeout-style flavor.
It’s budget-friendly
Ground beef is an easy protein to keep on hand, and you can stretch it with noodles and vegetables to make a satisfying meal for the whole family.
It’s customizable
Don’t have bell peppers? Use broccoli.
Have extra mushrooms? Toss them in!
Want more heat? Add chili flakes or your favorite chili sauce.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
What Does Ground Beef Lo Mein Taste Like?
Think savory, slightly sweet, garlicky, nutty, and wonderfully saucy.
The ground beef adds richness, while the soy sauce brings that salty umami flavor. Sesame oil adds a subtle toasted nuttiness, and fresh garlic and ginger brighten everything up.
The noodles soak up all that sauce as they cook, which is exactly what you want.
And the smell when the garlic and ginger hit the hot pan?
Absolutely incredible!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lo Mein
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for serving
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1–2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoons chili sauce or sriracha
What Kind of Noodles Should You Use?
