Sizzling Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein Recipe Magic

Slow cooker ground beef chow mein crafts weeknight dinners into a delightful culinary adventure that leaves traditional takeout in the dust.

Hearty and packed with robust flavors, this dish brings together meat and vegetables in a harmonious blend.

Tender ground beef mingles with crisp produce, creating a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Convenient preparation means minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for hungry families and individuals alike.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character, building depth and complexity without overwhelming the senses.

Aromatic spices weave through the mixture, promising a meal that satisfies both hunger and imagination.

Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this simple yet spectacular one-pot wonder.

Why You’ll Crave Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Unleash Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do the hard work while you relax.
• Packed with Vibrant Textures: Enjoy a delightful combination of tender beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and crisp vegetables that create an exciting contrast in every single bite.
• Flavor-Loaded Asian-Inspired Comfort: The perfect blend of soy sauce, hoisin, and ginger creates a robust, authentic taste that transports your taste buds to a cozy Asian kitchen without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: With just 30 minutes of active preparation and a hands-off 6-hour cooking time, this chow mein becomes an effortless solution for busy families craving a delicious, nutritious meal.

Everything Inside Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides the main hearty base of the dish, best when freshly ground and low in fat.
• Beef Broth: Rich liquid that adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat during slow cooking.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters that create a strong aromatic foundation for the dish.
• Celery, Cabbage, Carrot: Crisp vegetables that add nutrition, texture, and subtle sweetness to the chow mein.
• Water Chestnuts: Crunchy ingredient that provides a unique textural contrast in the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Salty umami-rich condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that adds complexity to the dish.
• Ground Ginger: Warm spice that brings a subtle heat and traditional Asian flavor.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild spiciness and rounds out the seasoning.

• Noodles or Spaghetti: Starchy base that serves as a perfect vehicle for the savory beef mixture.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that add fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Making Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein with Ease

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef until fully browned. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease and transfer beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Sliced celery

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Ground ginger
• Black pepper
• Beef broth

Pour the sauce over beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Base

Cover the slow cooker and set on low heat for 6 hours. This allows flavors to blend and vegetables to become tender.

Step 5: Add Fresh Vegetables

• Shredded cabbage
• Julienned carrot
• Water chestnuts

Switch slow cooker to high heat to warm the fresh vegetables.

Simultaneously, cook noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Add extra sauce if desired for enhanced flavor.

Smart Kitchen Advice for Beef Chow Mein Lovers

• Meat Browning Mastery: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled to develop deep, rich flavor before transferring to slow cooker.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce quantities to match your taste preference, keeping a harmonious blend of salty and sweet notes.
• Vegetable Texture Control: Add crunchy vegetables like water chestnuts and carrots during the last 30 minutes to maintain their fresh texture and prevent overcooking.
• Liquid Level Monitoring: Check slow cooker periodically to ensure mixture doesn't dry out, adding small amounts of beef broth if needed to keep ingredients moist.
• Noodle Serving Strategy: Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy and maintain optimal texture.

Leftover Beef Chow Mein? Here’s How to Save It

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled chow mein to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Microwave Reheating: Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or beef broth to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent beef from becoming tough and dry.
• Stovetop Revival: Warm leftover chow mein in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and prevent sticking.

Great Sips and Sides for Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Pair with Refreshing Riesling: A crisp, slightly sweet Riesling cuts through the richness of the ground beef, balancing the savory soy and hoisin sauce flavors while complementing the dish's Asian-inspired profile.
• Serve with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add textural contrast and brighten the hearty chow mein.
• Match with Crisp Lager Beer: A cold, light-bodied lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the robust beef and umami-packed sauce, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Sriracha Drizzle: Add a quick zigzag of spicy sriracha sauce over the top for those who love an extra kick, bringing heat and depth to the already complex flavor profile of the chow mein.

Creative Twists for Slow Cooker Beef Chow Mein

• Asian Fusion Bowl: Replace ground beef with tender pulled chicken or tofu for a lighter protein option, and swap out chow mein noodles for brown rice or quinoa to create a more health-conscious meal.
• Spicy Szechuan Style: Kick up the heat by adding sriracha sauce, red pepper flakes, and a splash of chili oil to intensify the flavor profile while maintaining the classic slow cooker technique.
• Vegetarian Garden Medley: Eliminate meat completely and boost vegetable content by incorporating mushrooms, bell peppers, and additional root vegetables like parsnips for a hearty plant-based alternative that doesn't sacrifice texture or taste.
• Korean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate gochujang paste, rice vinegar, and Korean chili flakes to transform the traditional recipe into a vibrant, tangy dish with deep, complex layers of flavor that will excite your taste buds.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef chow mein delivers authentic Chinese-American comfort straight from your kitchen. Tender noodles, savory beef, and crisp vegetables mingle in a rich sauce that promises satisfying flavor with minimal cooking effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cooked and drained chow mein noodles or spaghetti

Vegetables:

• 2 cups sliced celery
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• 3 minced cloves of garlic
• 1 large chopped onion
• 1 julienned carrot
• 1 can (5 ounces or 142 grams) drained and sliced water chestnuts

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, meticulously breaking the meat into small, uniform pieces. Carefully drain excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, freshly minced garlic, and thinly sliced celery into the slow cooker, allowing these aromatic vegetables to infuse flavor with the beef.
3. Create a robust sauce by whisking together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, freshly cracked black pepper, and rich beef broth in a separate mixing bowl. Gently pour this seasoned liquid over the beef and vegetables, ensuring complete and even coating.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature for 6 hours (180-240 minutes), enabling the ingredients to meld together and develop a deep, complex flavor profile while vegetables tenderize.
5. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, fold in crisp shredded cabbage, julienned carrots (about 0.25 inches / 0.6 centimeters thick), and crunchy water chestnuts. Adjust the slow cooker to high setting to warm the fresh vegetables while maintaining their textural integrity.
6. Simultaneously prepare egg noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions, ensuring they are cooked al dente.
7. Plate the noodles, generously top with the savory beef mixture, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Elevate your meal prep with this effortless slow cooker ground beef chow mein that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.
• Browning ground beef beforehand intensifies the rich meaty flavor and removes excess fat, creating a more concentrated taste profile.
• Layering aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery builds depth and complexity within the dish, infusing every bite with robust character.
• Combining soy sauce, hoisin, and beef broth creates a magical umami-packed liquid that tenderizes meat while delivering complex Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Introducing crisp vegetables during the final cooking stage preserves their vibrant texture and nutritional integrity, ensuring a delightful contrast against the soft, saucy beef.
• Serving over noodles with optional green onion or sesame seed garnishes allows personalization and adds visual appeal to this comforting one-pot wonder.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg