Ground Beef Lo Mein

A quick and flavorful twist on classic lo mein using ground beef for a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ cup beef or vegetable broth

For the Lo Mein

• 8 oz lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or thin ramen noodles
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add aromatics: Push beef to one side, add garlic and ginger to the center, and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add vegetables: Add onion, carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
6. Combine: Add cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
7. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips

• Noodle swap: Use any long pasta, ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), or even zucchini noodles for low-carb.
• Vegetable flexibility: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli based on preference.
• Spice it up: Add a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes with the sauce.
• Meat variations: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef.
• Make it saucier: Increase sauce ingredients by half if you prefer a wetter lo mein.

This one-pan meal is versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights—ready in the time it takes to boil noodles!

Crock Pot beef and broccoli

Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

A classic takeout favorite made easy in the slow cooker! Tender beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with fresh broccoli—perfect over rice for a hands-off meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
• 1 lb fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Sauce

• ⅔ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)