The allure of a slow-cooked meal lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor, and few dishes capture this better than Slow Cooker Mongolian Ground Beef Chow Mein. This dish is a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy elements, all coming together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly tender.
My love for this dish dates back to family gatherings where my mother would make a big batch of Mongolian beef. The aroma that filled the house was simply irresistible, and the anticipation of tasting that perfectly balanced dish was always a highlight. Over the years, I’ve adapted the recipe to include ground beef and made it even more convenient by using a slow cooker. This version maintains all the flavors I adored growing up, with the added ease of modern cooking.
Whether you’re preparing this for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, Slow Cooker Mongolian Ground Beef Chow Mein is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can bring this delicious dish to your table.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix (without dressing)
8 oz chow mein noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by browning 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add 3 minced garlic cloves. This allows the garlic to become fragrant and golden without burning. Once the beef is fully browned and crumbled, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned ground beef and garlic to your slow cooker. This will be the base of your flavorful dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to create a rich, savory sauce:
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth
Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil provides a robust umami flavor, while the ginger and red pepper flakes add a touch of heat and complexity.
Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker
Pour the prepared sauce over the ground beef in the slow cooker. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion, then stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in a 14 oz bag of coleslaw mix (without dressing). This mix typically includes shredded cabbage and carrots, which will soften slightly while still retaining a bit of crunch, adding a fresh element to the dish.
Step 7: Incorporate Noodles
Just before serving, stir in 8 oz of cooked chow mein noodles. Ensure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce, and mixed thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve. Garnish your Slow Cooker Mongolian Ground Beef Chow Mein with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Heat Adjustment: If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of Sriracha sauce.
Protein Substitution: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots. Add these about an hour before the end of the cooking time to ensure they remain tender-crisp.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce the salt content.
Alternative Sweetener: Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you prefer a different sweetener.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mongolian Ground Beef Chow Mein is a wonderful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Mongolian cuisine with the convenience of slow cooking. The result is a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. The ground beef becomes tender and flavorful, while the noodles and vegetables add a satisfying texture and freshness.
This recipe is appealing because it brings a bit of excitement to the dinner table with its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat, add your favorite vegetables, or even change the protein to suit your preferences.
Making this dish is a joy, and eating it is even better. The combination of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce, is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Give it a try and make Slow Cooker Mongolian Ground Beef Chow Mein a staple in your meal rotation.