Cooking's not really my thing, but this one recipe? We've had it on repeat for ages and still love it!

This slow cooker spicy Szechuan ground beef chow mein is a lifesaver for those busy weekdays when you want something delicious but don't have the time to stand over the stove. Inspired by the bold and fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine, this dish brings a touch of the exotic to your dinner table with minimal effort. It's perfect for those who love a bit of spice and are looking to shake up their usual meal routine. Plus, using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, letting you focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself.

This chow mein pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy to add some greens to your meal. You might also consider serving it with a simple cucumber salad to balance out the spiciness with something cool and refreshing. If you're feeling indulgent, some crispy spring rolls or potstickers would make a delightful addition to your dinner spread.

Servings: 4

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns, crushed
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
8 ounces chow mein noodles
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

3. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

4. Add the crushed Szechuan peppercorns, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and sugar to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

6. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the chow mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add them to the slow cooker.

7. Add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the slow cooker. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

8. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or baby corn for extra crunch. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of chow mein noodles. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste to suit your taste.