How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein

Introduction

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience—rich, savory flavors meld together over hours, resulting in tender vegetables and perfectly seasoned ground beef. This recipe is your answer to craving takeout without the extra grease or a stack of dirty pans. Set it and forget it until dinner time, for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that feels restaurant-worthy yet homey.

What Makes Slow Cooker Chow Mein a Standout Dinner?

The magic of Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein lies in its simplicity and deep flavor. The slow, gentle cooking allows the meat to soak up aromatic sauces and let the noodles and veggies retain just enough texture for irresistible forkfuls. Each bite pops with umami, making it a comforting favorite for family or anyone longing for a cozy dinner after a busy day.

Quick Ingredient Prep: Make It Easy

Preparation is a breeze when you have the right tools on hand. Chopping onions, carrots, and celery can be done in seconds with the trusty Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. Just a few pumps and your veggies are uniformly diced and ready for the pot! If you need to mince garlic or ginger, this gadget handles those as well—saving time and making cleanup effortless.

Building Flavor and Texture in the Slow Cooker

Start by browning the ground beef for optimal flavor and texture. Using a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher helps break up the meat finely while it cooks. Browning isn’t strictly necessary, but it locks in a delicious savoriness you won’t get otherwise.

Once your beef is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker, and layer in those prepped vegetables. The chow mein sauce, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, a hint of sesame oil, and a bit of brown sugar, merges all components into a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and umami.

To finish, you’ll stir in cooked chow mein or spaghetti noodles near the end. Use a Homaxy 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Kitchen Dish Cloth to handle hot pots or wipe up any spills from transferring ingredients—a must-have for tidy, safe meal prep.

Make-Ahead Tips & Serving Ideas

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is perfect for make-ahead lunches or meal prepping. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for a grab-and-go option that stays fresh. For serving, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds crunch and color, making each bowl as beautiful as it is appetizing.

Serve it straight from the slow cooker or pack for workday lunches using an easy-seal Bentgo Salad Container, which keeps portions intact and mess-free. Pair with steamed broccoli or a crisp Asian salad for a complete, nourishing meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each portion delivers satisfying protein, fiber from fresh vegetables, and a moderate amount of noodles for balanced energy. Estimating around 400–500 calories per serving (depending on noodle variety and portion), it’s a comforting, balanced meal suitable for busy families.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein (Recap)

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein gives you all the flavors of classic takeout—from savory beef to tender-crisp veggies—without the hassle or heavy oil. With just a little prep and a few crucial kitchen helpers, you can look forward to a hearty, delicious meal every time.

Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Transfer the browned ground beef to your slow cooker. Add onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger, prepped quickly using your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
3. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and beef broth. Whisk together and pour over the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
5. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked chow mein noodles or spaghetti. Mix well so noodles absorb some of the sauce.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW (or 2–3 hours on HIGH)
Total Time: 4½–5½ hours

Enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal fuss—just what makes Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein a family favorite!