Ground Beef Lo Mein – A 30-Minute Takeout-Style Dinner You’ll Crave
Lo Mein has a way of bringing back cozy memories — Friday nights, takeout boxes, and the comforting aroma of savory noodles. The good news? You can recreate that same restaurant-style flavor at home in under 30 minutes. This Ground Beef Lo Mein is rich, quick, and unbelievably satisfying — the perfect weeknight dinner for when cravings strike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍜 Better than takeout: Authentic flavor, no delivery fee.
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy evenings.
- 🥢 One-pan simplicity: Easy cleanup, big flavor.
- 💪 Protein-packed: Hearty ground beef makes it filling and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned (matchstick style)
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded or coleslaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, adds richness)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or extra soy sauce)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add onion, garlic, carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, brown sugar, beef broth, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine & Toss: Return cooked beef to the pan. Add noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the noodles are glossy.
- Finish & Serve: Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy hot and fresh!
Chef Tips & Variations
- 🔥 Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
- 🥬 Veggie swaps: Try snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli florets.
- 🍗 Use other proteins: Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu.
- 🍶 Extra flavor: Stir in a dash of rice vinegar or ginger paste for a bright finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Not recommended for freezing — fresh veggies taste best!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the noodles and prep the sauce ahead — then toss everything together when ready to serve.
What noodles work best?
Lo mein or yakisoba noodles give the most authentic texture, but spaghetti works great in a pinch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Yield: 4 servings | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell pepper)
- Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sesame oil
- Brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch
Directions
- Cook noodles and set aside.
- Brown beef in oil; remove and sauté vegetables.
- Whisk sauce ingredients; combine all and toss to coat.
- Top with green onions and serve hot.
Chef Tip: For authentic wok flavor, cook over high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment or tag @SmartCookRecipes on Instagram — I love seeing your homemade takeout creations 🍜✨!