Name: Ground Beef Chow Mein
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 ounce spaghetti broken in half; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 12 ounce bag coleslaw mix; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ cup pasta water; optional toppings thinly sliced green onions, sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Ground Beef Chow Mein is one of those delightful dishes that brings a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and textures to the dinner table. The combination of tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and soft noodles coated in a savory sauce makes for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s not only quick to whip up but also budget-friendly. You can see the colors pop from the tri-color coleslaw mix, and as you take that first bite, the harmonious blend of ingredients will make you wonder why you ever considered ordering takeout!

Pin this for later!

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I found myself craving something comforting yet easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients that I usually have on hand, I was able to create a delicious homemade version of Ground Beef Chow Mein. Not only did I save time and money, but each bowl brought a wave of nostalgia reminiscent of the best takeout experiences. I couldn’t wait to share this gem with you!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Ground Beef Chow Mein
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Ground Beef Chow Mein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the hearty beef and fresh veggies.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful coleslaw mix gives the dish a fun and vibrant look that’s sure to impress.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a comforting option that satisfies any craving.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free diets with the right noodle choice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces spaghetti: Using broken spaghetti gives that familiar noodle texture, but you can swap this for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta if needed.
1 pound ground beef: This is the main protein, adding rich flavor. Lean ground beef is advisable for less grease, but feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s aroma and adds depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon ground ginger: A little zing comes from ginger, with fresh offering a more vibrant taste. If fresh isn’t available, ground ginger works well.
12-ounce bag coleslaw mix: This adds crunch and color; I used tri-color for extra appeal. You can also chop your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
¼ cup soy sauce: This provides the salty umami base. Look for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a hint of sweetness.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin: Adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor that ties the dish together. Hoisin sauce is a great substitute if oyster sauce isn’t on hand.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a lovely nutty aroma and taste; this is essential for that authentic Asian flavor.
½ cup pasta water: Adding pasta water helps to achieve the desired sauce consistency and ensures that every ingredient is well coated.
Optional toppings: Thinly sliced green onions, sriracha sauce, or chili garlic sauce elevate the dish for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

How to Make Ground Beef Chow Mein

Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of broken spaghetti and cook until just tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain, ensuring to save ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it off.
Add Aromatics: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger or ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, and your kitchen starts smelling heavenly.
Create the Sauce: Pour in ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir to combine and allow it to bubble for 2-3 minutes, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Incorporate Veggies and Noodles: Toss in the 12-ounce bag of coleslaw mix along with the cooked spaghetti. Mix everything together until the coleslaw is evenly distributed, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cabbage softens but still retains a slight crunch.
Adjust and Serve: Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, serve topped with thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick!

Storing & Reheating

To store Ground Beef Chow Mein, let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, divide into portions and keep in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back its delightful moisture!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

A common mistake is overcooking the cabbage; you want it to be tender yet crisp. Keep an eye on it during the last cooking steps.
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the ground beef in some soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
Timing is key! Ensure your noodles and beef are ready around the same time to maintain that delicious texture.
Feel free to throw in any leftover veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Want more heat? Add fresh chilies or a dash more of sriracha to the sauce!

Ground Beef Chow Mein is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about bringing a taste of home to your table. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special. As you create this dish, don’t hesitate to play around with flavors or try out different vegetables you love. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this meal, and share it with loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can substitute it with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even ramen. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and swap out spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, such as rice noodles or even zucchini noodles!

Can I replace ground beef with another protein?

Certainly! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu are excellent choices. Simply adapt the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Chow Mein?

This dish is a meal in itself, but you can elevate your dinner by offering spring rolls, a simple salad, or dumplings on the side for a delightful Asian-inspired feast!

⭐ If you make my Ground Beef Chow Mein recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Ground Beef Chow Mein