Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein

May be an image of pasta, noodles and chow mein

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein — A Classic Family Comfort Dish

When it comes to heartwarming, old-fashioned comfort food, few dishes can compete with Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein. This recipe brings together the savory richness of seasoned beef, the tender crunch of vegetables, and the nostalgic aroma of soy and garlic — all simmered in a delicious, savory sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor, just like Grandma used to make.

🌿 Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein

This dish is a wonderful mix of East-meets-West cooking. It delivers the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal while giving a nod to classic Chinese-inspired cuisine. It’s ready in under an hour, requires easy-to-find ingredients, and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

🍲 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the main dish:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (optional)
1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 can (14 oz) bean sprouts, drained (or fresh if available)

For the sauce:

1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste

To serve:

Cooked chow mein noodles or steamed rice
Sliced green onions for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, then crumble in the ground beef. Cook until the meat turns brown and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the savory base of your chow mein.