This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein brings all the savory, umami-rich flavors of a takeout favorite into a hearty, homemade dish. Tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce come together in the slow cooker, making this recipe both convenient and delicious.
With crunchy water chestnuts, shredded cabbage, and a hint of ginger, this dish offers the perfect balance of texture and taste. Serve it over chow mein noodles or spaghetti for a satisfying, comforting meal that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love It:
Convenient Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a hands-off meal.
Family-Friendly: With hearty beef and familiar flavors, it’s sure to please even picky eaters.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients for a cost-effective dinner.
Customizable: Easily adapt the veggies, protein, or sauce to suit your preferences.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, adding richness and protein. Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
Onion: Chopped onion enhances the savory flavor base of the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic depth, giving the dish its classic Asian-inspired flavor.
Celery: Sliced celery adds crunch and freshness, balancing the rich sauce and tender beef.
Soy Sauce: Salty and umami-rich, soy sauce is the cornerstone of the savory chow mein flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy, hoisin sauce adds complexity to the sauce mixture.
Ground Ginger: Provides a subtle warm spice that complements the other ingredients.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and creates the savory sauce that ties the dish together.
Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage adds texture and freshness, lightening up the dish.
Carrot: Julienne-cut carrots contribute a pop of color and natural sweetness.
Water Chestnuts: Optional but great for adding a delightful crunch to the chow mein.
Chow Mein Noodles or Spaghetti: These absorb the flavorful sauce, making every bite delicious.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully crumbled and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain any excess grease and transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker
Add the following to the slow cooker:
1 chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
2 stalks of sliced celery
These vegetables will infuse the beef with a savory base as they cook.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat.
Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in:
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 julienned carrot
1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts (optional for added crunch).
Turn the slow cooker to high to heat the fresh vegetables while retaining their crunch.
While the mixture is finishing, cook chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the beef and vegetable mixture over the prepared noodles.
Spoon plenty of sauce over each portion to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
For a Complete Meal: Serve the chow mein over cooked noodles or rice, and pair it with sides like egg rolls, dumplings, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad.
As Meal Prep: Divide into meal prep containers with noodles for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner during the week.
For a Gathering: Keep the chow mein warm in the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves. Provide toppings like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or sriracha for added customization.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tip: Warm portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
The beef and vegetable mixture (without noodles) freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
To Serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and serve over freshly cooked noodles.
Make-Ahead Option
Prep all the ingredients the night before, and store them in the fridge. In the morning, transfer everything to the slow cooker and start cooking.
Variations:
Chicken Chow Mein
Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or diced boneless chicken thighs for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Chow Mein
Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat” instead of beef. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
Spicy Chow Mein
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
Pork Chow Mein
Try using ground pork for a richer flavor. The savory pork pairs beautifully with the vegetables and sauce.
Shrimp Chow Mein
Stir in cooked shrimp during the final 10 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is an easy, satisfying meal that brings bold flavors to your kitchen without the hassle of takeout. With tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
Try it once, and you’ll want it on your regular meal rotation! Pair with other homemade Asian-inspired dishes like Pork Fried Rice or Chicken Egg Rolls for a complete feast. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein: A Comforting Asian-Inspired Classic
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 water chestnuts 5 ounces, drained and sliced
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti cooked and drained
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery to the slow cooker. These vegetables will infuse the beef with a savory base as they cook.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to ensure everything is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and water chestnuts. Turn the slow cooker to high to heat the fresh vegetables while retaining their crunch. Cook noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions.
- Serve the beef and vegetable mixture over the cooked noodles. Spoon plenty of sauce over each portion and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.