This Classic Beef Chow Mein recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time of the week. With lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this recipe is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Braggs Liquid Aminos for a healthier option)
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (16-ounce) can bean sprouts, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained
For the Thickening Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef : In a large skillet or wok, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if needed, and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Base : In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 cups of water, soy sauce, and the beef bouillon cube. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cube completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables : Add the chopped celery and thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the Sprouts and Water Chestnuts : Stir in the drained bean sprouts and water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce : In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Combine and Serve : Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another minute to ensure everything is heated through. Serve the chow mein over steamed rice, noodles, or as-is for a lighter option.
Conclusion
This Classic Beef Chow Mein is a quick and satisfying meal packed with nutritious veggies, tender beef, and a savory sauce. With its balanced flavors and simple preparation, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a homemade Chinese-inspired dish. Pair it with a side of egg rolls or wonton soup for a complete meal!
Classic Beef Chow Mein: A Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry
A simple and flavorful chow mein dish featuringlean ground beef, crunchy vegetables, and a thickened savory sauce. Perfect forquick dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos for a healthier option
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1 1/2 cups celery chopped
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 16-ounce can bean sprouts, drained
- 1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained
For the Thickening Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Brown the Beef : In a large skillet or wok, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if needed, and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Base : In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 cups of water, soy sauce, and the beef bouillon cube. Stir well to dissolve the bouillon cube completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables : Add the chopped celery and thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the Sprouts and Water Chestnuts : Stir in the drained bean sprouts and water chestnuts. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce : In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Combine and Serve : Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another minute to ensure everything is heated through. Serve the chow mein over steamed rice, noodles, or as-is for a lighter option.