Savory, saucy, and bursting with flavor, Ground Beef Lo Mein is a quick and comforting meal that brings all the joy of takeout straight to your kitchen. Tender noodles coated in a rich umami sauce and tossed with stir-fried veggies and seasoned ground beef—what’s not to love? It’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving for something hearty, tasty, and homemade.

Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite or something fuss-free yet impressive to serve guests, this lo mein delivers. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and it’s endlessly flexible: swap the veggies, try a different noodle, or adjust the sauce to your liking. This one’s guaranteed to make repeat appearances in your meal rotation.
What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?
Traditional lo mein uses Chinese egg noodles, but any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works just fine in a pinch. The key is to not overcook them—they should have a slight bite so they can soak up the sauce without turning mushy. If you’re going for authenticity, Asian grocery stores often carry fresh lo mein noodles in the refrigerated section.
Ingredients for the Ground Beef Lo Mein
Ground Beef: This is the hearty backbone of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef so the dish doesn’t turn greasy, but still packs in all the savory flavor.
Lo Mein Noodles or Spaghetti: You want noodles that can hold up to tossing and saucing. Spaghetti makes a great substitute if lo mein isn’t available.
Carrots & Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced, these bring color, crunch, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Red Onion: Adds a pop of sharpness and texture. Slice thin so they soften quickly in the pan.
Green Onions: Stirred in at the end, they brighten the entire dish.
Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce & Sesame Oil: These three make up the bold, aromatic base of your sauce. Oyster sauce adds depth and sweetness, while sesame oil brings that unmistakable toasted nutty aroma.
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced, they infuse the beef and veggies with classic stir-fry fragrance.
Brown Sugar: A small pinch balances the saltiness and adds subtle sweetness.
How To Make the Ground Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed. Stir-fry the carrots, bell peppers, and red onion until they just begin to soften but still retain a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the beef back into the pan with the veggies. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Add the cooked noodles and toss well until everything is heated through and nicely coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Lo Mein
This dish is best served hot right after tossing everything together, but leftovers hold up surprisingly well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Lo Mein?
Steamed Dumplings
The ultimate takeout-inspired combo, soft dumplings with dipping sauce round out the meal perfectly.
Egg Drop Soup
Light and silky, this soup makes a warm and comforting starter.
Asian Slaw
A tangy slaw adds freshness and crunch. Try our Easy Asian Slaw for a zesty balance.
Roasted Green Beans
Savory roasted green beans like these Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are a great low-effort side.
Shrimp Wontons
Fried or steamed, they add a different protein and texture contrast.
Sesame Cucumber Salad
Chilled cucumber tossed with sesame oil and vinegar gives a refreshing touch.
Spring Rolls
Fresh or fried, these make great appetizers or a light side.
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
For a spicy-sweet sidekick, these Bang Bang Chicken Wings pair beautifully.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love this easy Ground Beef Lo Mein, you’ll want to try these other flavorful meals next:
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for creamy comfort.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re craving richness.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for cheesesteak vibes in pasta form.
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re after something cozy and cheesy.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky, hearty one-pan option.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with chili flakes or keep it classic? Did you try a veggie-only twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Ground Beef Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ground Beef Lo Mein is a flavor-packed dish that brings your favorite takeout to the comfort of your kitchen in under 30 minutes. With savory ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, crisp veggies, and a bold umami sauce, this quick dinner recipe is perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re in the mood for easy dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, or a budget-friendly weeknight option, this one’s a keeper. A great pick if you’re searching for easy recipes that taste like they took hours!
Ingredients
8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Boil noodles until al dente, then rinse under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat and remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, stir-fry carrots, bell peppers, and red onion until just tender.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
5. Add beef back to the pan, pour in sauce, and stir to combine.
6. Add noodles and toss everything until evenly coated and heated through.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcook the noodles—al dente is perfect for tossing and saucing.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef lo mein, easy dinner, quick noodles, stir fry beef, lo mein recipe
