Ground Beef Stir-Fry Lo Mein
Lo mein has a special way of stirring up comfort—those familiar Friday nights, folded takeout boxes, and the satisfaction of slurping noodles coated in a savory sauce. The good news is you can bring that same takeout-style flavor to your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. This Ground Beef Lo Mein is fast, filling, and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy evenings or sudden cravings.
Ground Beef Lo Mein (Serves 4)
📋 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil (adds extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded or coleslaw mix
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 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
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess fat if necessary and remove beef to a plate.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Add onion, garlic, carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until fully combined.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6️⃣ Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting, homemade lo mein that rivals takeout. 🍜
