Some nights, dinner just needs to be fast, filling, and familiar. That’s exactly what this Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein delivers. It’s the kind of meal that comes together in one pan, fills the kitchen with the sweet-salty aroma of soy and garlic, and makes everyone ask, “Can we have this again tomorrow?”
This recipe started on a Sunday evening when I had leftover steak from the night before, a bag of broccoli florets, and a pack of noodles I’d forgotten in the pantry. It turned into a new family favorite — rich, savory, and perfect for when you need a quick family meal for dinner tonight.
Whether you’re craving Asian food dishes with a homemade twist or searching for cheap recipes for dinner for families, this dish checks all the boxes: comforting, affordable, and made in under 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Quick and easy: Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Mild, balanced flavors kids and adults both love.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Flexible: Swap in leftover steak, ground beef, or chicken.
- One-pan meal: Less cleanup, more time to relax.
- Fun to make: Great recipe for family cooking nights or when you want a restaurant-style dinner at home.
This recipe has become one of my favorite easy weekday dinner ideas — it feels a little special but doesn’t require a lot of effort.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain, toss with a drizzle of sesame oil, and set aside. - Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. Set aside. - Cook the beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. - Stir-fry the vegetables:
Add the remaining oil to the pan, then toss in garlic, ginger, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and slightly tender. - Combine everything:
Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss in the noodles. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated and heated through. - Serve:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Dinner’s done — and it tastes better than takeout!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
When it comes to serving this dish, I like to keep it simple: straight from the skillet, family-style, onto the table. Everyone grabs their fork (or chopsticks if you’re feeling adventurous) and digs in.
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can pair it with a light side if you’d like — maybe a small bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a fun East-meets-West comfort combo.
If you’re planning a casual Sunday dinner, serve it alongside egg rolls or steamed dumplings for an easy Asian food dish spread.
For kids, I sometimes add extra noodles and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for a hint of sweetness. And if you’re cooking for friends, serve it in a large bowl with chopsticks in a jar — simple, inviting, and shareable.
This dish is also great for dinner ideas for leftovers. It reheats beautifully the next day, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy weekday meal.
How to Store Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the noodles soften slightly after thawing.
- Reheat: Add a splash of soy sauce or water and warm in a skillet over low heat to revive the sauce and texture.
If you’re looking to meal-prep quick ‘n easy dinner ideas, make a double batch — one for tonight, one for later.
For more quick Asian-inspired comfort dishes, try my Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken — it’s just as fast and full of flavor.
Tips to Make the Best Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Slice the beef thin: Cut against the grain for tenderness.
- Blanch broccoli first (optional): For softer texture and brighter color.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying quickly keeps everything crisp and flavorful.
- Customize the sauce: Add more soy for salt, brown sugar for sweetness, or sriracha for heat.
- Noodle swap: Try rice noodles or spaghetti if you can’t find lo mein.
- Veggie add-ins: Bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots work beautifully here.
This dish also makes a great fun meal to cook with kids — they can help mix the sauce or toss the noodles at the end.
For an extra flavor boost, add a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving.
Variations of Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Ground Beef Lo Mein: Use ground beef instead of sliced steak for a cheaper, faster version.
- Chicken Lo Mein: Replace beef with sliced chicken breast — a family favorite.
- Vegetarian Lo Mein: Skip the beef, add mushrooms or tofu for a hearty meatless dinner.
- Spicy Garlic Lo Mein: Add 1 tablespoon chili paste for bold, fiery flavor.
- Broccoli Lo Mein with Rice Noodles: A gluten-free twist using rice noodles or soba.
If you’re looking for cheap recipes for dinner families that don’t feel boring, this one’s a lifesaver. It tastes fresh, uses affordable ingredients, and feels special enough for Sunday dinner meal ideas.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use leftover steak or beef?
Absolutely! This dish was made for leftovers. Slice it thin and toss it in at the end to warm.
Q2: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use soy sauce plus a small splash of Worcestershire for similar depth.
Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat and add extra broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots.
Q4: What’s the best noodle for lo mein?
Traditional lo mein noodles work best, but spaghetti or linguine are easy substitutes.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein has become my weeknight hero. It’s quick, flavorful, and uses ingredients I almost always have on hand.
It’s perfect for those nights when everyone’s hungry, time is short, and you still want something homemade.
So grab a skillet, toss those noodles, and let this simple stir-fry remind you that the best dinners don’t need to be complicated — they just need to be shared.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick and flavorful Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and lo mein noodles in a savory soy garlic sauce—ready in 25 minutes!
Ingredients
8 oz lo mein noodles
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook noodles according to package; drain and set aside.
2. Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Heat oil in skillet; stir-fry beef until browned. Remove.
4. Add garlic, ginger, and broccoli; cook 3–4 minutes.
5. Return beef, add sauce, and toss with noodles until heated through.
6. Serve topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use leftover beef or steak for quick prep.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
Serve with sweet chili sauce or extra soy for flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg