A quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a flavorful sauce. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/egg noodles as a substitute)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 2 cups chopped cabbage (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and toss them with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper (if using), shredded carrots (if using), and cabbage (if using). Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Transfer the lo mein to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added brightness. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, satisfying ground beef lo mein!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a fantastic recipe for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences – swap proteins, add more veggies, or adjust the spice level.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Flavorful: A delicious balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: Great as a main course or a side dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone dish for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or potstickers for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for extra greens.
- Garnish with a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for added heat.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality sauces make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Switch Proteins: Substitute ground beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Add Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Al dente noodles hold their shape better and have a more pleasant texture.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 30-35g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving (depending on soy sauce used)
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe is a winner because it’s quick, delicious, and adaptable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and satisfying to eat. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your family and friends!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
- A: Yes, you can substitute lo mein noodles with spaghetti, egg noodles, or even rice noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
- Q: I don’t have oyster sauce. Can I still make the recipe?
- A: Absolutely! Oyster sauce adds umami, but the recipe will still be delicious without it. You might want to add a pinch more salt or a dash of soy sauce to compensate.
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
- Q: How long can I store the leftovers?
- A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Q: Can I add more vegetables?
- A: Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, and water chestnuts would all be great additions.
