1 pound ground beef — Ground chuck provides excellent flavor, but lean ground beef works too.
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup thinly sliced bell pepper
1 cup shredded cabbage
3 green onions, sliced
Feel free to substitute your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and baby corn are all delicious additions.
For the Lo Mein Sauce
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and make sure your other sauces are certified gluten-free.
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package directions until they’re just tender. Avoid overcooking them because they’ll spend a little more time in the skillet later.
Drain well and toss with the sesame oil to help prevent sticking.
Set them aside.
2. Mix the Sauce
While the noodles cook, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Give the sauce a taste.
If you prefer sweeter noodles, add a touch more brown sugar. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
3. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the neutral cooking oil, followed by the ground beef.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces as it browns.
Once fully cooked, drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Add the Aromatics
Add the sliced onion to the beef and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
The vegetables should soften slightly while retaining a little crunch.
If you’re adding vegetables that take longer to cook, such as broccoli, give them a head start before adding the quicker-cooking vegetables.
6. Add the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet.
Pour the sauce over everything and use tongs to toss the noodles with the beef and vegetables.
Keep tossing for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and coat every strand.
If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or broth and toss again.
7. Finish and Serve
Stir in the sliced green onions.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
For an extra finishing touch, sprinkle the noodles with sesame seeds or add a drizzle of chili oil.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and glossy.
Tips for Perfect Lo Mein
Don’t overcook the noodles
Slightly firm noodles hold up much better during stir-frying. If they become too soft before entering the skillet, they can turn mushy.
Use high heat
Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot. This helps the beef brown nicely and keeps the vegetables from becoming overly soft.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
If your skillet is too small, cook the beef and vegetables in batches. Overcrowding traps steam and makes browning more difficult.
Prep everything first
Once you start stir-frying, things move quickly. Have your vegetables chopped, sauce mixed, and noodles ready before heating the skillet.
Save a little noodle water
If the finished lo mein seems too dry, a splash of reserved noodle water can help loosen the sauce and bring everything together.
Easy Variations
Spicy Ground Beef Lo Mein
Add chili crisp, sriracha, crushed red pepper, or chili oil to the finished noodles.
Extra-Veggie Lo Mein
Double the vegetables or add broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, spinach, zucchini, or bean sprouts.
Swap the Protein
Ground beef can easily be replaced with ground chicken, pork, turkey, shrimp, or thinly sliced steak.
Make It Cheaper
Use whatever vegetables you already have in your refrigerator. Leftover cabbage, carrots, frozen peas, or bell peppers can all find a home in this dish.
Add an Egg
For an even heartier meal, push the beef and vegetables to one side of the skillet, scramble an egg in the empty space, then toss everything together before adding the noodles.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Lo Mein
This dish is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but you can add simple sides if you’re feeding a crowd.
Try serving it with:
Steamed or pan-fried dumplings
Egg rolls
Cucumber salad
Steamed edamame
Asian-style slaw
Spring rolls
For a casual dinner, simply place the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover lo mein to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water. Toss frequently until hot.
You can also microwave individual portions, adding a teaspoon or two of water before reheating to keep the noodles from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes. While spaghetti doesn’t have exactly the same texture as traditional lo mein noodles, it’s an excellent substitute when that’s what you have available.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works very well with the sauce and vegetables. Because it is leaner, you may want to add a little extra sesame oil for flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce, chop the vegetables, and cook the noodles ahead of time. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and stir-fry just before serving.
How do I keep lo mein noodles from sticking?
Drain them thoroughly after cooking and toss them with a small amount of sesame or neutral oil. Also avoid letting cooked noodles sit for too long before using them.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free noodles and gluten-free versions of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
How can I make the sauce less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and avoid adding additional salt until you’ve tasted the finished dish. You can also add a splash of water to mellow the sauce.
A Takeout-Style Dinner Without the Takeout
When you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and packed with noodles, this Ground Beef Lo Mein delivers without requiring a complicated recipe.
The browned beef adds richness, the vegetables bring freshness and texture, and the glossy sauce ties everything together. Best of all, you can have the entire meal on the table in well under an hour.
It’s flexible enough for picky eaters, practical enough for busy nights, and delicious enough to make you forget about the takeout menu.
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