Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings all the rich, savory notes of classic takeout into your kitchen with minimal effort. By using a slow cooker, this recipe transforms everyday ground beef and a handful of vegetables into a tender, umami-filled filling that’s served over chewy noodles. With soy sauce, hoisin, and ground ginger working together as the flavor base, each bite is satisfying and full of depth. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, especially when you want something warm and comforting without standing over the stove all evening.
What makes this dish especially convenient is how easy it is to customize and prepare ahead of time. Most of the cooking happens hands-off in the slow cooker, leaving you free to go about your day. The addition of cabbage, carrots, and water chestnuts at the end brings freshness and texture, contrasting beautifully with the slow-simmered beef. Serve it over spaghetti or traditional chow mein noodles, and you’ve got a filling, fuss-free meal that will easily become part of your weekly rotation. It’s a dish the whole family can enjoy, with flavors that are familiar yet exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy slow-cooker preparation—minimal active cooking required
• Bold, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness from hoisin sauce
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Loaded with veggies and easily customizable
• Comforting and filling without being heavy
Ingredients
1½ pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups celery, sliced
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup beef broth
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 carrot, julienned
1 can (5 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and sliced
8 ounces chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked and drained
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula or spoon.
Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to prevent the final dish from becoming oily.
Transfer the browned beef into the insert of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
These will slowly cook with the beef and infuse the dish with flavor as it simmers.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and beef broth.
Pour this sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Use a large spoon or spatula to stir everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Base
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat.
Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become soft and aromatic.
You can stir once halfway through if you’re home, but it’s not necessary.
Step 5: Add Fresh Vegetables
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrot, and sliced water chestnuts.
Turn the slow cooker to high to give the fresh vegetables time to soften slightly while maintaining some crunch.
These ingredients add brightness and texture to the dish, balancing the richness of the beef.
Step 6: Prepare and Serve with Noodles
While the fresh vegetables cook, prepare the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Just before serving, give the slow cooker mixture a final stir to distribute the vegetables evenly.
Spoon generous portions of the beef and vegetable mixture over the cooked noodles.
Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker and garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips for Success
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease without sacrificing flavor
• If you prefer a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of hoisin or a splash of oyster sauce
• Don’t skip adding the fresh veggies near the end—they create a vibrant contrast in both flavor and texture
• Chow mein noodles offer a more traditional feel, but spaghetti or even rice noodles work well
• For added spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce mixture
Storage Options
Refrigerator
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the mixture moist and saucy.
Freezer
This dish also freezes well. Let the beef and vegetable mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
It’s best to freeze the beef mixture separately from the noodles for the best texture upon reheating.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chow Mein is a savory, comforting meal that brings together convenience, flavor, and flexibility in one easy recipe. With minimal prep and a slow-cooked depth of flavor, it’s a dish that feels like a weeknight win but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it fresh or from the freezer, it’s a satisfying way to turn simple ingredients into something special.
