Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups 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 chow mein noodles or spaghetti, cooked and drained
Directions:
-In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Then, transfer it to your slow cooker.
-Combine the beef with chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced celery in the slow cooker.
-Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
-Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become tender.
-Stir in the cabbage, carrot, and water chestnuts about 30 minutes before serving. Increase to high heat to warm through. Meanwhile, prepare the noodles as per package instructions.
-Place a bed of chow mein noodles on each plate and top with the beef and vegetable mixture.
Variations & Tips:
Customize Your Veggies: Tailor the vegetable mix to suit your family’s tastes or to use up whatever you have in the fridge.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute chow mein noodles with zucchini spirals for a healthier twist, adding them during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Use Leftovers Wisely: This dish is perfect for incorporating leftover vegetables, reducing waste.
Add a Crunch: For texture, top with crispy fried noodles or sesame seeds just before serving.
Leftover Magic: This chow mein is even more flavorful the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.