Ground Beef Lo Mein

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Savory, satisfying, and bursting with bold Asian flavors, Ground Beef Lo Mein is the kind of weeknight meal that makes you forget all about takeout. This hearty noodle dish brings together the rich, umami taste of ground beef with vibrant vegetables and perfectly sauced noodles. It’s a comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice on speed or simplicity.

What makes this dish a standout is its versatility—swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or prepping a quick lunch, Ground Beef Lo Mein is a no-fuss favorite that delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
• Customizable with veggies and sauces
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
• Packed with flavor and texture
• A budget-friendly alternative to takeout

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Ground Beef Lo Mein smooth and stress-free, gather these essentials:

• Wok or Large Skillet: Helps to stir-fry ingredients evenly and quickly.
• Medium Pot: Used for boiling noodles until al dente.
• Tongs or Spatula: Crucial for tossing noodles and meat without breaking them.
• Strainer: For draining the noodles properly.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and carrots.

Each of these tools ensures an efficient workflow and preserves the integrity of ingredients through high-heat cooking and swift transitions.

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Preparation Tips

Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that signature wok-charred flavor. Cook the noodles slightly under so they don’t overcook when tossed in the pan later. Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking—the process moves fast once the heat is on. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture. If you’re using low-sodium soy sauce, adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the flavor punchy.

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Ingredients for this Ground Beef Lo Mein

• 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sliced red onion, carrots, and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until veggies are slightly tender but still crisp.

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Step 4: Add the Noodles and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the pan with the veggies. Add the drained noodles. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and optional sriracha. Toss everything together using tongs until well combined and heated through.

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Step 5: Thicken and Finish

Pour in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce slightly. Toss for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles. Sprinkle green onions on top and give one final toss. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

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Notes

Ground Beef Lo Mein works wonderfully as both a main dish and a make-ahead meal. You can adjust the sauce to suit your taste—use more oyster sauce for richness, or add a splash of rice vinegar for tang. If you’re looking to increase the nutritional value, throw in some broccoli, snow peas, or baby spinach right at the end. The dish is also great with other proteins like ground chicken or turkey. Just make sure everything is cooked evenly and coated well with sauce for the best experience.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the noodles: This makes them mushy when tossed back into the hot wok.
• Skipping the sauce slurry: Without thickening the sauce slightly, it can pool at the bottom instead of coating the noodles.
• Not prepping ahead: Stir-frying happens fast, so have all ingredients chopped and measured before you turn on the heat.
• Using high-fat beef: Excess grease can dilute the sauce flavor and make the dish oily.
• Adding veggies too early: This can lead to limp, overcooked vegetables. Keep them crisp-tender for contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer the lo mein to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring the noodles back to life. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and reheat directly from frozen using the stovetop or microwave.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Cholesterol: 55mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of noodles instead of spaghetti?

Yes! You can use lo mein, yakisoba, ramen, or even rice noodles depending on your preference.

What vegetables work best in Ground Beef Lo Mein?

Carrots, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms all work great. Mix and match based on what you have.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and rice noodles instead of wheat-based pasta.

How do I make it spicier?

Add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced fresh chili when cooking the sauce.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, it stores well for up to 4 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Should I drain the beef after browning?

If your ground beef is high in fat, yes. Draining will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, just thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during stir-frying.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It’s highly recommended for depth and sweetness, but you can substitute with more hoisin or soy sauce if needed.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Lo Mein is a fast, flavorful meal that delivers on every level—texture, taste, and satisfaction. With simple pantry ingredients and just one pan, you can recreate your favorite takeout experience at home in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish deserves a regular spot on your menu. Customize it, spice it up, or keep it classic—it’s endlessly adaptable and always delicious.

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