Busy weeknights don’t have to mean boring dinners. This Ground Beef Lo Mein brings together savory beef, tender vegetables, and chewy noodles in a glossy, flavor-packed sauce. It’s a takeout-inspired dish that’s surprisingly easy to throw together in just one pan.
What makes this dish special is its perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a subtle tang. The ground beef absorbs all the delicious flavors of garlic, soy, and sesame, making every bite juicy and satisfying. You can even tweak the veggies or spice levels to suit your mood or pantry.
What Kind of Noodles Work Best in Lo Mein?
While traditional lo mein noodles are ideal, you can also use spaghetti or even ramen in a pinch. Egg noodles give the dish its signature chewy texture, but the key is not to overcook them. You want them to hold their bite to soak up that luscious sauce without turning mushy.
Ingredients for the Ground Beef Lo Mein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

How To Make the Ground Beef Lo Mein
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in sesame oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Add shredded carrots and cabbage to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with sliced green onions before serving.
Serving and Storing Ground Beef Lo Mein
Serve Ground Beef Lo Mein piping hot straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad or some crispy spring rolls if you’re going for a full spread.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back the sauciness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work just as well. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but the noodles may lose their texture. For best results, freeze the beef and veggie mix separately from freshly boiled noodles.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms would be delicious. Use what you have on hand.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil to turn up the heat.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce with a pinch of sugar can work as a quick substitute.
Want More Noodle Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Ground Beef Lo Mein, you’ll love these savory dishes that are just as easy and satisfying:
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a comfort-packed meal.
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomato richness.
- Shipwreck Dinner for a hearty one-pan ground beef classic.
- Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole if you’re in the mood for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a hands-off pasta night.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this Ground Beef Lo Mein recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when the craving strikes.
And when you make it, let me know how it turned out! Did you stick with classic carrots and cabbage, or add your own veggie mix? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Craving more everyday dinners? Check out my daily recipes on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Ground Beef Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Ground Beef Lo Mein is a quick and satisfying dinner made with savory ground beef, chewy noodles, and a glossy, garlicky sauce. It’s a delicious one-pan weeknight meal inspired by classic takeout flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Stir in sesame oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shredded carrots and cabbage to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies.
5. Add cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
6. Top with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor.
You can swap lo mein noodles with spaghetti or egg noodles.
For added crunch, top with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: ground beef, lo mein, noodle dinner, quick dinner, weeknight meal
