Hearty Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein Recipe to Savor

Noodles dance with savory ground beef in this mouthwatering slow cooker ground beef chow mein that promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Tender pasta twirls around perfectly seasoned meat, creating a symphony of flavors that will make taste buds sing.

Every bite brings a delightful blend of textures and rich, umami-packed goodness.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing each ingredient with deep, comforting flavors that require minimal effort from you.

These noodles pack a punch of satisfaction without hours of complicated cooking.

Forget takeout and embrace this homemade version that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Warm, hearty, and utterly delicious, this chow mein is about to become your new favorite meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 396 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich, meaty flavor and substantial texture to the dish, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Chow Mein Noodles or Spaghetti: Creates the satisfying base of the meal, select fresh or dried noodles with good elasticity.

• Celery, Cabbage, Carrot: Crunchy vegetables that add nutritional value and vibrant color, select crisp and fresh produce for maximum texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build deep, complex flavor layers, pick firm onions and plump garlic cloves.
• Water Chestnuts: Provides delightful crunch and unique textural contrast, choose canned ones with firm, white appearance.

• Hoisin Sauce: Delivers sweet and tangy undertones, select authentic brands for genuine Asian flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, opt for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
• Beef Broth: Enhances overall moisture and richness, use low-sodium stock for better control of dish's saltiness.
• Ground Ginger, Black Pepper: Introduces warm, spicy notes and subtle heat, choose freshly ground spices for most intense flavor.

Essential Tools for Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef thoroughly and breaking it into small pieces.
• Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe, perfect for slow-cooking beef and blending flavors.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, celery, and other vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable slicing and mincing.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Colander: Helpful for draining excess grease from browned beef.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Beef Preparation

Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer meat to slow cooker after draining excess grease.

• Flavor Builders

Add aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery to create a robust base for the dish.

• Sauce Magic

Create a rich sauce by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, pepper, and beef broth. Pour over meat and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.

• Slow Cooking

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 6 hours, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to become tender.

• Final Touches

Stir in crisp vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Prepare noodles separately and get ready to serve.

• Serving Style

Layer noodles with the hearty beef mixture. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips to Improve Your Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs incredible flavor.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to increase nutritional value and create more texture in your dish.
• Drizzle some sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who love a spicy kick in their meal.
• Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles to make this recipe friendly for those with dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different noodle types like rice noodles, egg noodles, or even zucchini noodles to keep the recipe exciting and match your personal preferences.

Serving Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein with Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Spotlight: Serve this hearty chow mein in large, deep bowls that showcase the rich beef and colorful vegetables. Each serving becomes a comforting meal perfect for weeknight gatherings.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for quick lunches at work or school. The dish reheats wonderfully and maintains its delicious flavor profile throughout the week.
• Asian-Inspired Flavor Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a light drizzle of sriracha sauce to elevate the dish's taste and visual appeal. These toppings add crunch, freshness, and an extra layer of excitement to the meal.
• Quick Side Companion: Pair the chow mein with steamed edamame or a crisp Asian cucumber salad to balance the rich beef mixture. These light sides complement the main dish and provide a refreshing contrast in textures and flavors.

Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

• Smart Meal Prep Strategies: Prepare ground beef mixture up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in airtight containers, keeping ingredients separate from noodles to maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Factor: Cool chow mein completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can safely stay for 2-3 months without losing flavor intensity.
• Refreshing Leftovers Hack: Gently reheat refrigerated chow mein in microwave or skillet, adding splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness during warming process.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide cooked dish into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, ensuring balanced protein and vegetable ratios in each serving.

Hearty Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker ground beef chow mein delivers authentic Chinese-American comfort in minimal prep time. Home cooks can enjoy restaurant-quality noodles without complex cooking techniques while satisfying hungry families with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 8 oz (226 g) cooked and drained chow mein noodles or spaghetti
• 1 large chopped onion
• 3 minced cloves of garlic
• 2 cups sliced celery
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (or coleslaw mix)
• 1 julienned carrot
• 1 can (5 oz or 142 g) drained and sliced water chestnuts
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Beef Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small pieces. Drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
2. Vegetable Integration: Add onions, garlic, and celery to the slow cooker, distributing evenly with the beef to create a foundational flavor base.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth in a separate bowl. Pour the seasoned liquid over beef and vegetables, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 6 hours, allowing ingredients to develop rich, harmonious flavors and vegetables to tenderize thoroughly.
5. Final Vegetable Addition: 30 minutes before serving, incorporate cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts. Switch slow cooker to high setting to warm fresh vegetables while preserving their crisp texture.
6. Noodle and Serving Preparation: Cook egg noodles or spaghetti to al dente consistency. Layer noodles with beef mixture, then garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized flavors and eliminate excess grease, which can make the dish greasy and less appetizing.
• Vegetable Timing Strategy: Add fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots near the end of cooking to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming mushy.
• Sauce Depth Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients separately before adding to ensure even distribution and balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
• Noodle Cooking Hack: Cook noodles al dente separately to maintain perfect texture and prevent them from becoming soggy when mixed with the slow-cooked beef mixture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 396
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 737 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 79 mg