Ground Beef Chow Mein
This quick and flavorful Ground Beef Chow Mein features tender noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables and savory beef in a rich soy-based sauce.
This Ground Beef Chow Mein is a fast and satisfying stir-fry that combines savory ground beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and chewy noodles tossed in a flavorful soy, oyster sauce, and sesame oil blend. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses pantry staples and fresh veggies to create a balanced, comforting dish in under 30 minutes. With bold Asian-inspired flavors and customizable ingredients, this recipe is both family-friendly and versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins with ease. Whether served on its own or alongside egg rolls or dumplings, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to please.
Servings
2
Prep Time
10-15 minutes
Cook Time
15-20 minutes
Total Time
25-35 minutes
Ingredients
Fresh
1 lb ground beef (90/10)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup julienned carrots
½ cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or both)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
2 green onions, sliced
Packaged
200 g (7 oz) chow mein noodles or thin spaghetti
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for sweeter flavor)
1 tbsp soy sauce
Seasoning
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp ground black pepper
Serving
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 tbsp water or chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the chow mein noodles or thin spaghetti until just tender according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Toss lightly with a few drops of sesame oil if desired to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and black pepper, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables
Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, stirring and cooking for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Mix everything together evenly.
Sauce and Combine
Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water or broth to the pan. Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables, letting the sauce simmer briefly and reduce slightly.
Finish the Chow Mein
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss thoroughly so everything is evenly combined and coated with sauce. Drizzle in the sesame oil and add the green onions, tossing again. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve hot. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a touch more soy sauce or black pepper before serving.
Cook the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drizzle lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Prepare the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water (or broth), sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Add the sliced green onions, and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes.
Return the cooked beef to the wok. Add the cooked noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
Divide the ground beef chow mein among plates or bowls. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
