There’s something uniquely comforting about a dish that effortlessly combines savory, satisfying flavors with the ease of slow cooking. One of my personal favorites in this category is Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein. This dish not only makes a hearty, delicious meal but also brings a touch of nostalgia to the table. I remember the first time I tried making chow mein in a slow cooker—it was a busy weeknight, and I needed something that could cook itself while I tackled a mountain of other tasks. The result was a flavorful, satisfying dish that quickly became a family staple.
Ground beef, tender vegetables, and a savory sauce meld together in the slow cooker to create a meal that’s as convenient as it is delightful. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ground ginger creates a rich, umami-packed sauce that soaks into the beef and vegetables, giving each bite a burst of flavor. The addition of chow mein noodles (or spaghetti, in a pinch) ensures that every serving is both filling and delicious.
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
1. Brown the Beef: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s well crumbled and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease. Transfer the beef into the slow cooker, ready to absorb all the flavors of the other ingredients.
2. Add Veggies and Beef: Into the slow cooker with the beef, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery. These vegetables will cook down and infuse the beef with additional flavor, creating a savory base for the dish.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined. The soy sauce and hoisin sauce will provide a rich, savory depth of flavor, while the ginger and pepper add a touch of warmth and spice. Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to the low setting. Allow the mixture to cook for about 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender. The low heat will help the beef become tender and absorb all the savory flavors of the sauce.
5. Final Touches: Approximately 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced water chestnuts. These ingredients will add a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish. Turn the slow cooker to high to ensure that the added vegetables are heated through and maintain some of their texture. During this time, cook the chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain them and set aside until the beef and vegetable mixture is ready.
6. Serve: To serve, spoon the hearty beef and vegetable mixture over a bed of freshly cooked chow mein noodles. Make sure each serving is generously coated with the rich sauce, allowing the noodles to soak up all the delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both filling and flavorful.
Variations & Tips
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to adapt the vegetables to suit your family’s preferences or to use up what you have on hand. Adding finely chopped greens like spinach or kale can provide an extra nutritional boost without compromising the dish’s flavor.
Low-Carb Option: If you’re looking for a lower-carb alternative, consider replacing the noodles with zucchini spirals. Add them in the last 20 minutes of cooking to ensure they maintain a firm texture while still absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Use Leftover Veggies: Chow Mein is a fantastic way to incorporate leftover vegetables from your fridge. Just chop them up and toss them in during the cooking process to give them a new life and add variety to the dish.
Add Crunch: For an extra textural element, top each serving with crispy fried noodles or a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving. This added crunch can provide a delightful contrast to the tender beef and vegetables.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is not just a meal; it’s a testament to the joys of easy, flavorful cooking. With minimal effort and a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding the flavors together and making sure every bite is infused with rich, savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a meal that will make your weeknight dinners simpler and more enjoyable, this recipe is a winning choice. The blend of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce, served over a bed of noodles, is a surefire way to please the whole family and make dinnertime a little more special.
