This Ground Beef Chow Mein is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a busy night! With ground beef, colorful veggies, and a Whole30 twist, it’s healthy and filling.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just sauté the beef and veggies, add your favorite seasonings, and you’re set. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using grass-fed ground beef for its flavor and health benefits. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. Just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster, so watch them closely!
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Both are excellent for cooking due to their high smoke points. If you prefer another oil, look for grapeseed or sunflower oil. Coconut oil could also add a nice flavor if you don’t mind the hint of coconut.
Napa Cabbage: This adds a great crunch! If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular green cabbage or even bok choy for a different texture. For an extra color pop, purple cabbage works well too.
Coconut Aminos: This is a fantastic soy sauce alternative that fits well with Whole30. If you’re not following that program, you could use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a similar taste—just check the ingredients if you’re gluten-free!
How Can I Get the Vegetables to Soften Just Right?
You want those veggies tender but still with a bit of crunch. Start by heating your oil and adding garlic and ginger to wake up the flavors. Then, add the onions and bell pepper; they need a few minutes to soften first.
- Keep your heat high but not so high that it burns, about medium-high is good.
- Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. This also encourages those aromatic flavors to blend nicely.
- Add the Napa cabbage and spiralized vegetables last since they cook quickly. Cook for just a couple of minutes until they are bright and tender, but still crisp!
By managing the heat and timing for each ingredient, you’ll achieve great texture in your chow mein!
How to Make Ground Beef Chow Mein (Whole30)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chow Mein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cups cooked spiralized or shredded vegetables (like zucchini noodles or shredded cabbage)
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos (Whole30-approved soy sauce substitute)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ground Beef Chow Mein takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Remember to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain it and set the beef aside in a bowl.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step brings out amazing flavors!
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the veggies to start softening but still have a little crunch to them. So keep stirring!
4. Add the Napa Cabbage and Noodles:
Next, toss in the chopped Napa cabbage along with your cooked spiralized or shredded vegetable noodles. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
5. Combine Everything:
Time to bring it all together! Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables. Pour in the coconut aminos and drizzle with sesame oil if you’re using it, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Final Cooking and Seasoning:
Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes until it’s heated through and well combined. Taste your chow mein and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed and heated, remove it from the heat. Garnish with the reserved chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, Whole30-compliant Ground Beef Chow Mein!
Can I Use a Different Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make great substitutes if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than beef.
What Can I Use Instead of Napa Cabbage?
If Napa cabbage isn’t available, you can substitute it with regular green cabbage or bok choy. Both options will work well in this dish and still give you that crunchy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly so everything gets tender without losing its crispness.
