I'm a lazy cook but we've been making this for years! It never gets old!

There's just something about a family all sitting down together, sharing stories over a warm, comforting meal—it really knits the heartstrings tight. Chow Mein literally means "stir-fried noodles," and it's a cornerstone in Chinese cuisine. Our slow-cooked version of Ground Beef Chow Mein brings this Asian classic right into the heart of Midwestern homes, offering a savory, saucy twist to your dinner routine. Opting for the slow cooker method not only tenderizes the beef but also allows those oriental flavors to meld beautifully as your day rolls on. Whether it's a bustling weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish is bound to gather everyone 'round the table with bright eyes and hungry bellies.

A dish as hearty as Ground Beef Chow Mein often stands tall on its own, but to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp side salad drizzled with sesame ginger dressing or some lightly-steamed broccoli for that added crunch and nutrition. And for those who fancy a bit more heat, some chili oil or Sriracha on the side can spark up their plate.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein
Servings: 6

- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of 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 (5 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 8 ounces of chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked and drained

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nicely browned and crumbled, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.

2. Toss the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery into the slow cooker with the beef.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth until well combined. Pour this savory sauce over the beef and veggie mixture.

4. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have cozied up to one another.

5. Roughly 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and water chestnuts. Switch the heat to high to get everything warmed through while you cook your noodles according to the package instructions.

6. Serve the hearty beef and vegetable sauce over a generous bed of chow mein noodles, letting every strand soak up that delicious sauce.

- For the families dealing with those picky palates, you can always customize the veggies based on your crew's favorites, or sneak in some finely chopped greens for extra nutrition that goes under the radar.
- If you're looking for a low-carb option, switch out the noodles for zucchini spirals, just adding them in during the last 20 minutes of cooking so they keep that nice 'al dente' bite.
- Don't let any leftover veggies go to waste, throw them into the mix. The wonderful thing about Chow Mein is its forgiving nature—it's a perfect dish for using up bits and bobs from your veggie drawer.
- For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crispy fried noodles or sesame seeds atop your plate right before serving. It's all about those textures.
- Remember, the slow cooker is your friend for melding flavors without fuss, meaning this Ground Beef Chow Mein gets even tastier as leftovers—so don't be shy in making a little extra for tomorrow's lunch!