Whisk until well combined.
Taste the sauce and adjust it to your liking. Add a little more brown sugar for sweetness or additional red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
3. Brown the Ground 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 about 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is fully browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease if needed.
4. Add the Onion, Garlic, and Ginger
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Continue cooking for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Watch the garlic carefully so it doesn't burn.
5. Cook the Vegetables
Add the shredded carrots, bell pepper, and cabbage.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently. The vegetables should become slightly tender while still maintaining some crispness.
If you're using vegetables that require more cooking time, such as broccoli, add them first and cook them for a few minutes before adding the quicker-cooking vegetables.
6. Add the Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Using tongs, gently toss the mixture until the noodles are evenly coated and everything is heated through.
Continue tossing for about 2–3 minutes.
If the noodles seem dry, add a small splash of water or broth and toss again.
7. Finish and Serve
Stir in the sliced green onions.
Taste the lo mein and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For extra flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds or drizzle with chili oil.
Serve immediately while the noodles are hot and glossy.
Tips for the Best Lo Mein
Don't Overcook the Noodles
Cook the noodles until they're just tender. Slightly firm noodles hold up better when tossed in the hot skillet and are less likely to become mushy.
Keep the Heat High
A hot skillet or wok helps brown the beef properly and allows the vegetables to cook quickly without becoming overly soft.
Avoid Overcrowding
If your skillet isn't large enough, cook the beef and vegetables in batches. Too much food in the pan can trap steam and prevent proper browning.
Prepare Everything Before You Start
Stir-frying moves quickly, so have the vegetables chopped, sauce mixed, and noodles cooked before you begin heating the skillet.
Keep Some Noodle Water
Reserve a little of the cooking water before draining the noodles. If the finished dish seems dry, a small splash can loosen the sauce and help everything come together.
Easy Variations
Make It Spicy
Add chili crisp, sriracha, chili oil, or extra crushed red pepper for a spicy version.
Add More Vegetables
For a vegetable-packed meal, double the vegetables or add mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, spinach, zucchini, or bean sprouts.
Change the Protein
Ground beef can easily be replaced with ground chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, shrimp, or thinly sliced steak.
Make It Budget-Friendly
Use whatever vegetables you already have. Leftover cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, frozen peas, or other vegetables can easily be incorporated into the dish.
Add an Egg
For an extra-hearty meal, push the cooked beef and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Crack an egg into the empty space and scramble it until cooked. Toss it with the other ingredients before adding the noodles.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Lo Mein
This lo mein is filling enough to serve on its own, but simple sides can turn it into a larger meal.
Try serving it with:
- Steamed or pan-fried dumplings
- Egg rolls
- Cucumber salad
- Steamed edamame
- Asian-inspired slaw
- Spring rolls
For a relaxed family dinner, serve the noodles straight from the skillet and let everyone help themselves.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover lo mein to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the noodles in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water. Toss frequently until heated through.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave. Add a teaspoon or two of water before reheating to help prevent the noodles from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles?
Yes. Spaghetti doesn't have exactly the same texture as traditional lo mein noodles, but it's a convenient substitute and works well with the beef and sauce.
Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works nicely with the sauce and vegetables. Since turkey is generally leaner, adding a little extra sesame oil can provide more richness and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce, chop the vegetables, and cook the noodles in advance. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and stir-fry everything together shortly before serving.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Drain the noodles well after cooking and toss them with a small amount of sesame or neutral oil. It's also best not to let cooked noodles sit for an extended period before adding them to the skillet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free noodles and make sure your soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce are all gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce less salty?
Start with low-sodium soy sauce and don't add extra salt until you've tasted the finished dish. If the sauce is still too strong, add a small splash of water to mellow the flavor.
Easy Takeout-Style Dinner at Home
This Ground Beef Lo Mein brings together tender noodles, flavorful browned beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy savory sauce in one satisfying meal.
It's quick enough for a busy weeknight, flexible enough to accommodate whatever vegetables you have on hand, and delicious enough to satisfy a takeout craving. Once you try making it at home, it may become one of your favorite easy noodle dinners.
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