Homestyle Ground Beef Lo Mein

Homestyle Ground Beef Lo Mein

This Homestyle Ground Beef Lo Mein is the kind of quick, comforting weeknight dish that wins everyone over on the very first bite. It brings all the saucy, savory goodness of your favorite takeout lo mein straight to your kitchen — no fuss, no waiting, just pure noodle satisfaction. With tender beef, aromatic garlic, and a glossy, flavor-packed sauce, every forkful delivers that irresistibly slurpable balance of sweet, salty, and umami.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. Ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with soft lo mein noodles. The addition of onions, carrots, cabbage, or any extra veggies you like brings freshness and texture to the dish. The homemade sauce thickens into a silky coating that clings to every noodle, pulling the entire dish together with takeout-style depth.

Prepared in just minutes, this lo mein is ideal for busy evenings, meal prep, or as a satisfying alternative to ordering in. It’s versatile, customizable, and endlessly comforting — the kind of recipe that becomes a permanent addition to your weeknight rotation. One bowl is never enough, and leftovers (if you have any) reheat like a dream.

Whether you serve it simply or dress it up with chili crisp and sesame seeds, this dish is pure comfort in noodle form.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced onions or green onions
• 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 1 cup cabbage or mixed veggies (optional)

Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2–1 tsp chili flakes or chili crisp (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil and cook the ground beef until browned.
3. Add the garlic and onions; cook until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Stir in the optional veggies and sauté until tender.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame oil, broth, cornstarch, and chili flakes.
6. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Add the cooked noodles and toss until fully coated and saucy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more soy for saltiness, more sugar for balance, more chili for heat.

Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use wide udon noodles for a heartier texture.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness.

Tips

• Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll continue to soften in the sauce.
• For richer flavor, brown the beef deeply before adding aromatics.
• Chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, or sliced green onions make excellent toppings.
• Double the sauce if you prefer extra-saucy noodles — it thickens beautifully.