Easy Stir-Fried Noodles with Ground Beef – 30-Minute Dinner

This stir-fried noodles with ground beef is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast. It's savory, slightly sweet, and packed with umami from the soy and oyster sauce.

The noodles get that perfect chewy texture, and the ground beef soaks up all the flavor. Plus, it's a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love.

I first made this on a busy Tuesday, and it's been a staple ever since. It's forgiving, flexible, and absolutely delicious.

About the Ingredients

8 oz (225g) dried lo mein noodles or spaghetti

Lo mein noodles are ideal, but spaghetti works great. Substitute with rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

1 lb (450g) ground beef

Use 80/20 for flavor, or lean ground turkey for a lighter option.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Use any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed. Olive oil can be used but has a stronger taste.

1 small onion, thinly sliced

Yellow or white onion works. For a milder flavor, use shallots.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

Any color bell pepper works. For extra heat, use a poblano or jalapeño.

1 cup (240ml) beef broth

Low-sodium beef broth is best to control salt. Vegetable broth is a fine substitute.

3 tablespoons soy sauce

Use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid oversalting. Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

Substitute with hoisin sauce or vegan mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Honey or maple syrup can be used instead. Adjust to taste.

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Adds a nutty aroma. Skip if you don't have it, or use toasted sesame seeds for flavor.

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Optional but adds freshness. Chives or cilantro also work.

Tips & Tricks

• Cook noodles al dente – they'll finish cooking in the sauce. Overcooked noodles become mushy.
• Use high heat to get a good sear on the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it will steam instead of brown.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Soy sauces vary in saltiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil (212°F/100°C). Add noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender (about 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat (400°F/204°C). Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be golden brown and no longer pink.

3. Sauté Aromatics

Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat (350°F/177°C) for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer.

5. Combine Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Delicious Variations

• Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch.
• Make it spicy by adding 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
• Swap ground beef for ground chicken or pork for a different flavor.

How to Store Stir-fried Noodles With Ground Beef

Frequently Asked Questions

If you make this stir-fried noodles with ground beef, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I'd love to hear your twist on it!

Stir-fried Noodles With Ground Beef

Juicy ground beef and chewy noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, ready in 30 minutes for a weeknight win.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

10 minPrep time20 minCook time4Servings485 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) dried lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the Noodles — Bring a large pot of water to a boil (212°F/100°C). Add noodles and cook according to package directions until just tender (about 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
2. 2Brown the Beef — Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat (400°F/204°C). Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be golden brown and no longer pink.
3. 3Sauté Aromatics — Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat (350°F/177°C) for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
4. 4Make the Sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
5. 5Combine Noodles — Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles.
6. 6Finish and Serve — Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still tasty the next day. Just add a splash of water when reheating.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 485 kcal · 28g protein · 45g carbs · 22g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, achievable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips from her own experiments in reducing waste at home and in her community.