Ground Beef Chow Mein is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles in a savory sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that’s packed with texture and taste. Inspired by classic Asian flavors, this chow mein is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy!
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For the Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
For the Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup (50 g) sliced bell peppers
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the shredded carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Step 4: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the ground beef and vegetables. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Noodle options: Chow mein noodles are ideal, but you can substitute with spaghetti, ramen, or udon noodles.
- Vegetable variations: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms, for extra variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Chow Mein is a simple and delicious meal that brings classic Asian-inspired flavors to your table. With its tender noodles, flavorful beef, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Try this recipe today for an easy, satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ground Beef Chow Mein ahead of time, and if so, how should I store it?
Yes, you can definitely make Ground Beef Chow Mein ahead of time. Cook the ground beef mixture and prepare the sauce separately. Cook the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store the cooked beef and vegetable mixture, the sauce, and the cooked noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the beef mixture and sauce, then combine with the noodles and cook for a few minutes until heated through. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some good ingredient substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chow mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti, ramen, or udon noodles; the cooking time may vary slightly, so refer to the package instructions. If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can try using an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of fish sauce. For the vegetables, feel free to add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy, keeping the total amount of vegetables roughly the same.
How do I know when the Ground Beef Chow Mein is perfectly cooked?
The Ground Beef Chow Mein is perfectly cooked when the ground beef is fully browned and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The noodles should be heated through and coated with the sauce, with a slight bite to them, avoiding being mushy. The sauce should have thickened slightly, coating all the ingredients evenly. You can also tell by the aroma; the dish should smell fragrant with the combined scents of ginger, garlic, and the savory sauces.
Can I double or scale up this Ground Beef Chow Mein recipe to feed a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. When doubling, you may need to use a larger skillet or wok to accommodate all the ingredients. If scaling up significantly, you might need to cook the beef and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking. Increase the cooking time slightly to account for the increased volume. Be sure to adjust the amount of sauce accordingly, tasting and adjusting for your preference.
What are some of the nutritional benefits of this Ground Beef Chow Mein?
This Ground Beef Chow Mein provides a good source of protein from the ground beef, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables, like carrots and cabbage, contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting digestive health and overall well-being. The sesame oil and ginger add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the noodles, protein from the beef, and essential nutrients from the vegetables.
Ground Beef Chow Mein
This ground beef chow mein is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean
- 2 cups chow mein noodles cooked
- 1 cup mixed vegetables frozen
- 0.5 cup soy sauce low-sodium
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and soy sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add chow mein noodles to the pan, mixing well with the beef and vegetables. Heat through and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
