Name: Savory Ground Beef Lo Mein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 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; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional); 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; Salt and black pepper to taste

Skip the takeout and delight in a homemade meal with this vibrant and savory Ground Beef Lo Mein. This dish is not just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s also about convenience and nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes of your time, you can whip up a delicious dinner that the whole family will love. Ground Beef Lo Mein is a celebration of flavors, thanks to the umami-packed sauce and colorful veggies, offering a meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Imagine tender lo mein noodles tangled with juicy ground beef and crunchy vegetables, all drenched in a rich sauce. It’s comfort food at its best!

This recipe shines when you need a quick dinner solution. Busy weeknights can often leave us reaching for takeout, but with this emerging culinary gem, you can impress your family without the fuss. Ground Beef Lo Mein also offers excellent meal prep potential, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for lunches or busy weekdays without compromising on taste. Ready to explore how easy it is to make this easy yet satisfying dish? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein

Quick to prepare: Perfect for busy nights, ready in just 25 minutes!
Nutritious: Packed with vibrant vegetables that add color and vitamins.
Customizable: Alter the veggies to suit your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge.
Family-friendly: A favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Ground Beef Lo Mein goes off without a hitch, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen beforehand. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out—you’ll want everything ready to go since the cooking process comes together swiftly. A large skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying; the larger surface area allows for better browning and prevents overcrowding of your ingredients. A medium-sized pot for boiling the noodles is also necessary. Don’t forget a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring. Clean and organize your workspace so you can move seamlessly from one step to the next.

Ingredients

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
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add in the spaghetti or lo mein noodles and cook them until they reach an al dente texture. After cooking, carefully drain the noodles, and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them in a tablespoon of sesame oil. Set the noodles aside and move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a wide wok or large skillet, pour in one tablespoon of vegetable oil and place it over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef into the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook it thoroughly until it is well-browned and no longer pink, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside, allowing the juices to settle and the flavors to deepen.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same skillet used for the beef, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir them around for a minute until they become fragrant. Next, add the sliced red onion, julienned carrots, and sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry these ingredients for a couple of minutes until they’re slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Then, add the prepared noodles to the mix. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, carefully tossing everything together until it’s all well-coated and the noodles are heated through. If you like a bit of heat, add the sriracha at this stage.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Finally, stir in the cornstarch slurry you made earlier, mixing it into the dish. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish. Allow everything to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to ensure that the noodles are evenly coated with the rich sauce. Once done, remove the pan from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.

Variations

Protein: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables of your choice, such as snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Spices: Experiment with adding spices like five-spice powder or a dash of sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Cooking Notes

For a more authentic flavor, consider using fresh lo mein noodles if available.
Make sure the vegetables are cut to similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
You can increase the amount of sauces based on your preference for a saucier lo mein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with additional sriracha or chili sauce for those who enjoy extra spice.
Pair with a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Tips

Prep all ingredients beforehand so that cooking is a smooth and quick process.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the vegetables; this helps them cook and brown properly.
Feel free to make this dish a day in advance; it tastes even better the next day!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 490 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 900mg

FAQs

Can I make Lo Mein ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

What should I serve with Ground Beef Lo Mein?

For a delightful meal, you can serve it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad. These sides will enhance the overall dining experience.

Is Lo Mein the same as Chow Mein?

While both dishes are similar and use noodles, Lo Mein uses soft boiled noodles, while Chow Mein features crispy fried noodles. The flavors may be similar, but the textures differ significantly.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Lo Mein?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to three months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Lo Mein is more than just a quick dinner option; it’s a flavorful journey that transforms your kitchen into a bustling restaurant atmosphere. With a symphony of textures, tastes, and a burst of colors, this dish exemplifies the beauty of home-cooked meals. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a hectic weeknight, this easy recipe will become a delicious staple in your household. Don’t hesitate to explore variations, get creative with the sauce, or add in your favorite proteins and vegetables. I encourage you to give it a try and let your culinary skills shine! If you enjoyed this recipe, please comment below with your own take on it or any questions you may have. Happy cooking!