Gathering around the dinner table for a warm, comforting meal truly knits family heartstrings tight. This slow-cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is a delightful way to bring a staple of Chinese cuisine into the cozy atmosphere of Midwestern kitchens. By slow-cooking this beloved dish, you allow the rich flavors to meld together beautifully, tenderizing the beef and infusing the noodles with a savory, saucy goodness. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fuss-free dinner waiting for you, or for those laid-back weekends when you’re gathered with loved ones.
To complement this hearty dish, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed in a sesame ginger vinaigrette or some lightly steamed broccoli for added crunch and nutrition. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, offering chili oil or Sriracha on the side allows everyone to customize their heat level.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 can (5 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked and drained
Instructions:
Brown the Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s well crumbled and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Add Veggies and Beef:
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery to the slow cooker with the beef.
Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth. Whisk these together until well mixed, then pour over the beef and vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook:
Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to marry nicely.
Final Touches:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced water chestnuts. Turn the heat to high to get everything heated through while maintaining some crunch in the veggies. Meanwhile, cook your noodles according to the package instructions.
Serve:
Spoon the hearty beef and vegetable mixture over a bed of freshly cooked chow mein noodles, making sure each noodle gets a good coating of that delicious sauce.
Variations & Tips:
Customize the Veggies: Adapt the vegetables according to your family’s tastes or sneak in some finely chopped greens for an extra nutritional boost.
Low-Carb Option: Replace the noodles with zucchini spirals added in the last 20 minutes of cooking to maintain a firm texture.
Use Leftover Veggies: Chow Mein is great for incorporating leftover vegetables—just toss them in and let them simmer.
Add Crunch: For added texture, top each serving with crispy fried noodles or a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving.
Enjoy this Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein as a fulfilling dinner that’s sure to comfort and satisfy. It’s a dish that promises minimal effort for maximum flavor, perfect for bringing everyone together.