Some of the best recipes don’t come from cookbooks or fancy websites—they come from coworkers who casually say, “You have to try this.”
That’s exactly how this Ground Beef Lo Mein entered our lives. A coworker raved about it for weeks, claiming it was fast, filling, and better than takeout. We finally made it tonight… and wow.
This recipe is officially a keeper.
It’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and loaded with tender noodles coated in a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and doesn’t require any special cooking skills.
If you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to wait for delivery—or spend an hour washing dishes—this is the dinner you’ve been looking for.
Why This Lo Mein Works So Well
- Ground beef keeps it affordable and flavorful
- The sauce is perfectly balanced—salty, sweet, and umami
- It’s customizable: add veggies, swap proteins, adjust spice
- One pan + one pot = minimal cleanup
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
This is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your weekly rotation.
Easy Ground Beef Lo Mein Recipe
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the noodles & beef
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti if needed)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
For the sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional add-ins
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup snap peas or bell peppers
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Brown the ground beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. Remove beef from the pan and set aside. - Build the flavor base
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. - Make the sauce
Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly. - Combine everything
Return the ground beef to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in sauce. Add any vegetables now and cook for another 2–3 minutes until tender. - Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Lo Mein
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they should be tender but not mushy
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of noodle water
- Want it spicy? Add chili oil or sriracha
- Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork if you like
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is proof that simple food can still be incredibly satisfying. It’s cozy, flavorful, and feels like takeout—without the cost or wait time.
If you’re tired, hungry, and need dinner now, this recipe has your back.
No wonder my coworker wouldn’t stop talking about it. 🍜✨
