Ground Beef Lo Mein

 

If you’ve ever craved the comfort of takeout noodles but wanted something quicker, fresher, and easier on the wallet, this Ground Beef Lo Mein is the perfect solution. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines tender noodles, savory beef, and crisp vegetables tossed in a simple yet flavorful sauce. It’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and versatile enough to use whatever veggies you have on hand.

Lo Mein is traditionally made with Chinese egg noodles and stir-fried with meat and vegetables, then coated in a rich sauce. This version uses pantry-friendly spaghetti noodles but keeps all the bold flavors you’d expect from your favorite takeout dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

• Budget-friendly: Uses ground beef and common pantry staples.

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or even another protein.

• Better than takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and no delivery fee!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground beef – Lean ground beef works best, but you can also use chicken, turkey, or pork.

• Spaghetti noodles – A convenient substitute for traditional lo mein noodles.

• Vegetables – Celery, carrots, and red onion for crunch and sweetness.

• Garlic – Adds depth and fragrance to the stir-fry.

• Soy sauce – Brings savory umami flavor.

• Sesame oil – A small amount adds nuttiness and authentic taste.

• Rice cooking wine – Enhances the sauce with a subtle tang (can substitute with dry sherry or omit if unavailable).

• Seasonings – A touch of sugar and salt balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add celery, carrots, red onion, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and salt to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are coated with the beef and veggies.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Whisk soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice cooking wine in a small bowl. Pour over the noodle mixture and stir until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to plates or bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for a restaurant-style finish.

Tips & Variations

• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms all work great.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.

• Use rice noodles: For a gluten-free option, swap spaghetti with rice noodles.

• Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats beautifully for quick lunches.