Craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this easy ground beef lo mein recipe! This homemade dish delivers all the deliciousness of takeout, but with the added benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your healthy meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea, and it's easily customizable to your taste preferences. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 (12 ounce) package lo mein noodles
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and set aside. This simple step ensures perfectly cooked noodles every time.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. For a leaner dish, consider draining the grease before adding the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened. Then, add the red bell pepper and broccoli florets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. Don't overcook the vegetables; you want them to retain a bit of their crunch.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This creates a delicious and glossy sauce that coats the noodles and beef perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the cooked lo mein noodles and sesame oil. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Protein swap: Substitute the ground beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use extra vegetables for a hearty vegetarian lo mein.
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
This delicious ground beef lo mein is a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family. Enjoy!