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 hearty, saucy, and packed with flavor—everything you want after a long day.

I love that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Ground beef, noodles, and a handful of veggies come together in one hot wok. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques.

Whether it's a busy Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, this dish delivers. It's forgiving, flexible, and always satisfying. Let's make it!

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 gluten-free.

1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)

80/20 gives good flavor without being too greasy. Ground turkey or chicken are lighter options.

2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil, divided

Use a high-smoke-point oil like canola or peanut. Avocado oil works too.

1 cup (150g) broccoli florets

Fresh or frozen. Swap with snap peas or bell peppers.

1 medium carrot, julienned

Adds color and crunch. Shredded cabbage is a good substitute.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic is best. Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.

1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth

Chicken or vegetable broth works. Low-sodium lets you control salt.

3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce

Use tamari for gluten-free. Coconut aminos is a soy-free option.

2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar

Adds balance. Honey or maple syrup can substitute.

1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar

Substitute with apple cider vinegar.

1 teaspoon sesame oil

For that nutty aroma. Omit if you don't have it.

2 green onions, sliced

For garnish. Chives or cilantro also work.

Tips & Tricks

• Prep all ingredients before you start cooking—stir-frying goes fast.
• Use a wok or large skillet for even high-heat cooking.
• Don't overcook the noodles; they'll finish in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 teaspoon oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Brown the beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat (400°F/200°C). Add ground beef, spreading it out. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden brown crust. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings.

3. Stir-fry the veggies

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan. Add broccoli and carrot. Stir-fry over high heat (400°F/200°C) for 2 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour into the pan. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.

5. Combine everything

Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together using tongs, ensuring the noodles are coated with sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the noodles.

6. Garnish and serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot directly from the wok.

Delicious Variations

Spicy

Add 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.

Veggie-loaded

Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.

Saucy extra

Increase broth to 3/4 cup for more sauce.

How to Store Stir-fried Noodles With Ground Beef

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy this stir-fried noodles with ground beef as much as we do. Don't stress if your veggies aren't perfectly uniform—just get them in the pan. Try it tonight and see how easy weeknight cooking can be. Small steps, big impact.

Stir-fried Noodles With Ground Beef

Juicy ground beef, chewy noodles, and crisp veggies in a savory sauce—this easy stir-fry is a weeknight winner ready in 30 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time15 minCook time4Servings520 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) dried lo mein noodles or spaghetti
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup (150g) broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced

📋 Instructions

1. 1Cook the noodles — Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 teaspoon oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. 2Brown the beef — Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat (400°F/200°C). Add ground beef, spreading it out. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden brown crust. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings.
3. 3Stir-fry the veggies — Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan. Add broccoli and carrot. Stir-fry over high heat (400°F/200°C) for 2 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4Make the sauce — In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour into the pan. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
5. 5Combine everything — Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together using tongs, ensuring the noodles are coated with sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and cling to the noodles.
6. 6Garnish and serve — Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot directly from the wok.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper and a splash of lime juice before serving.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 520 kcal · 28g protein · 45g carbs · 24g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices from her urban apartment. She focuses on small, actionable changes that fit busy city life.