Why You’ll Love this Comforting Ground Beef Lo Mein
When you’re craving takeout but don’t want to wait for delivery, this Ground Beef Lo Mein is about to become your new best friend.
I’ve thrown together this dish countless times when my pantry seems bare but my stomach is growling for something satisfying.
What makes it irresistible? For starters, it uses kitchen staples like ground beef and frozen veggies.
The convenience factor alone is worth celebrating. Who doesn’t love a 30-minute meal that tastes like it took hours?
Plus, you can customize the veggies based on what you have. Craving more garlic? Go for it. Need extra protein? Double the beef.
What Ingredients are in Comforting Ground Beef Lo Mein?
The beauty of this ground beef lo mein is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant. What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust the seasonings to your taste or swap in whatever vegetables you have hanging out in your freezer.
The combination of savory beef, tender noodles, and crisp-tender veggies all coated in that umami-rich sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 16-ounce package frozen stir-fry vegetables, thawed
- 12-ounce jar home-style beef gravy
- 1/4 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
While traditional lo mein would use Chinese egg noodles, this recipe keeps things approachable by using spaghetti—genius for those nights when you’re craving Asian flavors but don’t want to run to a specialty store.
And can we talk about the clever use of jarred beef gravy? It creates that thick, glossy sauce without having to mix multiple ingredients. You might want to keep extra soy sauce on hand for serving, as some folks (myself included) like to add a bit more at the table for that perfect salty kick.
How to Make this Comforting Ground Beef Lo Mein
Making this ground beef lo mein couldn’t be simpler, which is why it’s become my go-to for those nights when I’m craving takeout flavors without the delivery wait.
Start by cooking 8 ounces of spaghetti according to the package directions—I like mine just past al dente for a more authentic lo mein texture. While the pasta bubbles away, brown 1/2 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. There’s something so satisfying about the sizzle of beef hitting a hot pan, isn’t there? No need to add oil since the beef will release enough of its own fat.
Once your ground beef is fully cooked, it’s time to transform this into something special. Add your 16-ounce package of thawed stir-fry vegetables right into the skillet with the meat. Then pour in the 12-ounce jar of home-style beef gravy—this is the secret weapon that gives the dish its rich base without complicated sauce-making.
Season everything with 1/4 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce (though I often find myself reaching for a bit more), 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 8-10 minutes. This cooking time is essential—you want those vegetables to hit that perfect crisp-tender sweet spot where they still have a bit of life to them.
When your timer dings, drain the cooked spaghetti well and add it directly to your beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until each strand is coated with that savory sauce. The noodles will continue absorbing flavors as you toss them, creating that signature lo mein taste.
For serving, I recommend using tongs to twirl generous portions onto warmed plates—somehow food always tastes better when it’s still steaming, don’t you think? And if you’re anything like me, you might want to keep that bottle of soy sauce nearby for a final drizzle right before diving in.
Comforting Ground Beef Lo Mein Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how flexible this comfort dish truly is!
I regularly swap ground beef for chicken, pork, or even tofu when I’m cooking for vegetarian friends. The frozen stir-fry veggies work beautifully, but fresh broccoli, carrots, and snow peas create an incredible texture difference.
Don’t have spaghetti? Rice noodles or ramen work perfectly.
And that jarred gravy? You can replace it with a quick homemade sauce of beef broth, cornstarch, and a splash more soy sauce.
I sometimes add red pepper flakes for heat or hoisin sauce for sweetness. The possibilities are endless, aren’t they?
What to Serve with Comforting Ground Beef Lo Mein
Three perfect sides can transform your comforting ground beef lo mein from a simple weeknight dinner into a complete feast.
I love pairing mine with crispy vegetable egg rolls that provide that delightful crunch against the soft noodles. A small bowl of hot and sour soup makes a wonderful starter, warming you up before diving into the main dish.
For something fresh, try a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
The cool, crisp texture offers a palate-cleansing counterpoint to the savory beef. Trust me, your family will think you’ve ordered takeout.
Final Thoughts
While this ground beef lo mein mightn’t be traditionally authentic, it’s become one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals when Chinese takeout cravings hit but time is short.
The beauty lies in its simplicity—just cooked spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and veggies in a savory gravy.
I love how adaptable this recipe is. No stir fry vegetables? Toss in whatever’s wilting in your crisper drawer.
Sometimes I add extra soy sauce or a splash of sesame oil for deeper flavor.
My kids, once suspicious of anything “different,” now request this regularly.
Give it a try. Comfort food with an American-Chinese twist.
Ground Beef Lo Mein
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just past al dente. Drain well when finished.
- While pasta cooks, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add thawed stir-fry vegetables to the skillet with the cooked beef.
- Pour in the jar of home-style beef gravy. Season with soy sauce, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until vegetables reach crisp-tender texture.
- Add drained spaghetti to the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir until noodles are evenly coated with sauce.
- Serve immediately, with additional soy sauce on the side if desired.
