Quick & Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein: A Weeknight Dinner Delight

Lo Mein is a classic takeout dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe for Ground Beef Lo Mein is a delicious and budget-friendly twist on the traditional version, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Using ground beef instead of more expensive cuts of meat makes it accessible to everyone, and the combination of savory flavors and tender noodles is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This version is adaptable – you can easily adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking. This recipe provides a balanced meal combining protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, all in one delicious bowl.

## Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef is an affordable protein option.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the vegetables and seasonings to your taste.
* **Family-Friendly:** A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
* **One-Pan Meal:** Less cleanup makes this a winner.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 pound ground beef:** Lean ground beef works best, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Drain off any excess grease after browning.
* **1 pound Lo Mein Noodles:** Fresh or dried lo mein noodles are essential. If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine can be used in a pinch.
* **1 tablespoon vegetable oil:** For sautéing the beef and vegetables.
* **1 medium onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base flavor.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Essential for depth of flavor.
* **1 inch ginger, minced:** Adds a warm, spicy note.
* **1 cup shredded carrots:** Adds sweetness and color.
* **1 cup sliced mushrooms:** Adds umami and texture.
* **1 cup chopped cabbage:** Adds crunch and nutrients.
* **1/2 cup soy sauce:** The base of the savory sauce.
* **1/4 cup oyster sauce:** Adds richness and depth of flavor (optional, but recommended).
* **2 tablespoons sesame oil:** Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
* **1 tablespoon brown sugar:** Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
* **1 tablespoon cornstarch:** Thickens the sauce.
* **1/4 cup water:** To dissolve the cornstarch and create the sauce.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious Ground Beef Lo Mein:

### Step 1: Cook the Noodles

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions, usually about 5-7 minutes, or until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
* Drain the noodles well and set aside. To prevent sticking, you can toss them with a little sesame oil.

### Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Be sure to crumble the beef well for even cooking.
* Drain off any excess grease.

### Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

* Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet with the browned ground beef.
* Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, and chopped cabbage to the skillet.
* Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Don’t overcook them; you want them to retain some crunch.

### Step 4: Make the Sauce

* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This is important to prevent lumps in your sauce.

### Step 5: Combine Everything and Simmer

* Pour the sauce over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
* Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet.
* Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the ground beef and vegetables are well distributed.

### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

* Serve the Ground Beef Lo Mein immediately.
* Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Ground Beef Lo Mein

* **Don’t overcook the noodles:** Al dente noodles hold their shape better and have a more pleasant texture.
* **Drain the ground beef well:** Excess grease can make the dish oily.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Cook the ground beef and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and cooking.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your taste:** Add more soy sauce for a saltier flavor, more brown sugar for a sweeter flavor, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
* **Use fresh ginger and garlic:** They provide the best flavor.
* **Prepare the sauce in advance:** This will save you time when you’re cooking.
* **Toss the noodles with a little sesame oil after draining:** This will prevent them from sticking together.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

* **Vegetables:** Add or substitute your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or bean sprouts.
* **Protein:** While this recipe uses ground beef, you could also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Sauce:** Experiment with different sauces, such as hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or black bean sauce.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat.
* **Noodles:** If you can’t find lo mein noodles, use spaghetti, linguine, or even ramen noodles.
* **Sweetness:** Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the ground beef with plant based crumbles and omit the oyster sauce or find a vegetarian alternative. Some vegan oyster sauces use mushrooms for flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Ground Beef Lo Mein is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Serve with a side of spring rolls or egg rolls.**
* **Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy.**
* **Top with a fried egg for extra protein and richness.**
* **Serve with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.**
* **Offer a side of chili garlic sauce for those who like extra spice.**

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Ground Beef Lo Mein can be made ahead of time, but the noodles may absorb some of the sauce and become a bit softer. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

* Cook the ground beef and vegetables according to the recipe instructions.
* Prepare the sauce and set aside.
* Cook the noodles separately and toss them with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
* Store the ground beef and vegetables, sauce, and noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* When ready to serve, reheat the ground beef and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat.
* Add the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
* Add the noodles and toss until heated through.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover Ground Beef Lo Mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

## Recipe Card

**Ground Beef Lo Mein**

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 pound Lo Mein Noodles
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, minced
* 1 cup shredded carrots
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1 cup chopped cabbage
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup oyster sauce (optional)
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lo mein noodles and cook according to package directions, about 5-7 minutes, or until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. Add the shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
5. Combine everything and simmer: Pour the sauce over the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the ground beef and vegetables are well distributed.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Ground Beef Lo Mein immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 500-600 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fat: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.*

Enjoy this quick and easy Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to create your own personalized version. Happy cooking!