When dinner needs to be fast, satisfying, and full of flavor, Ground Beef Lo Mein is your go-to solution. It’s a beautiful mix of convenience and crave-worthy taste — ground beef for ease, stir-fried veggies for crunch, and a savory sauce that brings it all together.
Think of it as a Western twist on a Chinese classic — using pantry staples like spaghetti instead of lo mein noodles, while still capturing the bold, umami-rich flavors that make lo mein a favorite takeout dish. Best of all, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
- Fast and filling – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients – Most of it is already in your fridge or pantry.
- Great for picky eaters – Familiar flavors in a family-friendly format.
- One-pan wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Budget-friendly – Uses economical ground beef and noodles.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- ¼ cup matchstick carrots
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice cooking wine
How to Make Ground Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the salt, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, carrots, celery, and red onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine evenly with the beef and vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp rice cooking wine. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture in the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Lo Mein
- Don’t overcook the noodles – Keep them slightly firm so they don’t get mushy when tossed.
- Use pre-cut veggies for an even faster prep.
- Swap spaghetti with lo mein noodles or ramen if you prefer traditional textures.
- Add heat with a splash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it a complete meal by adding broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Beef Lo Mein – Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Sweet & Savory Twist – Add a touch of hoisin or teriyaki.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey – Leaner alternatives that still work great.
- Vegetarian Version – Use tofu or just go veggie-heavy with mushrooms and peppers.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Lo Mein is a busy cook’s dream — fast, flavorful, flexible, and always satisfying. It hits that perfect spot between homemade and takeout-style, without all the mystery ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to clean out your fridge with leftover veggies.
This dish proves that with a few everyday ingredients, you can whip up a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
Share Your Noodle Bowl
Did you give this lo mein a personal twist?
📸 Show off your version! Maybe you added heat, swapped the protein, or used a different noodle — tag your dish or leave a comment and inspire others.
Ground Beef Lo Mein
Ingredients
- 8 oz lean ground beef
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- ¼ cup matchstick carrots
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice cooking wine
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- Add the salt, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, carrots, celery, and red onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 4: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine evenly with the beef and vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp rice cooking wine. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture in the skillet. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy!
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