Transform your dinner routine with the convenience and comfort of Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein. This recipe reimagines the classic Chinese-American dish by incorporating ground beef for ease and simplicity, all while maintaining the beloved flavors and textures of traditional chow mein. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting as you enjoy the fusion of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and tender noodles, all brought together with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish promises a hassle-free way to enjoy a homemade, hearty meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein:
- Convenience: Set it and forget it with this slow cooker recipe that simplifies meal prep and cooking.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your choice of vegetables and additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious way to introduce diverse flavors to your family’s dinner table, pleasing both adults and children alike.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients Notes For Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended for its lower fat content. Brown it before adding to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetables: Traditional chow mein vegetables include cabbage, carrots, and onions. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Chow Mein Noodles: Pre-cooked chow mein noodles or ramen noodles work well. Add them towards the end of cooking to maintain texture.
- Sauce Ingredients: A blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth forms the base of the flavorful sauce. Garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar add depth and complexity.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Recipe Steps:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with a little garlic and ginger. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage, carrots, and onions (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the slow cooker on top of the beef.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pre-cooked chow mein noodles and the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cover and allow to cook until the noodles are heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth if necessary to loosen the noodles and sauce.
INGREDIENTS
For the Ground Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, adjust based on preference)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (color of choice)
- 8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion, garlic, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Once the beef is cooked and the onions are soft, drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the beef is well coated.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours to let the flavors meld. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine with the beef and sauce.
- Prepare the Noodles:
- While the beef mixture is finishing up in the slow cooker, cook the chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the vegetables are tender but still crisp, gently stir in the cooked noodles, mixing until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more beef broth or water to adjust the consistency.
- Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.