There’s something magical about coming home to the rich aroma of a slow-cooked meal, especially one as hearty and comforting as this Slow Cooker Chow Mein. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a simple yet satisfying combination of ground beef, tender vegetables, and flavorful seasonings—all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
This dish is not only deliciously savory but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal. The addition of soy sauce and curry powder brings a depth of flavor that is both bold and comforting, while the rice absorbs all the delicious juices, creating a well-balanced, filling meal.
So, let’s get started! Don’t forget to save this recipe and subscribe for more easy and delicious slow cooker meals straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chow Mein
✔ Effortless & Hands-Off – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
✔ Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein, veggies, and rice for a complete meal.
✔ Customizable – Easily swap or add veggies to suit your taste.
✔ Deliciously Flavorful – Soy sauce, curry powder, and chicken noodle soup mix add depth and richness.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
What Does This Chow Mein Taste Like?
Imagine tender ground beef infused with the rich umami of soy sauce, the subtle warmth of curry powder, and the comforting, homey taste of chicken noodle soup mix. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the cabbage and carrots add a slight crunch and natural sweetness. The rice soaks up all the delicious juices, making each bite incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
This dish is savory, slightly spiced, and packed with hearty goodness—a comforting bowl of home-cooked perfection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 kg ground beef
- 1/2 head of cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 2 packets of chicken noodle soup mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 liter water
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Kitchen Tools Needed
✔ Slow cooker
✔ Large skillet
✔ Wooden spoon
✔ Grater (for carrots)
✔ Sharp knife (for shredding cabbage)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
🔹 Want to switch up the protein? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a different spin.
🔹 Like a bit of heat? Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
🔹 More veggies? Try chopped celery, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
🔹 Prefer noodles? Swap out the rice for cooked egg noodles or chow mein noodles—just stir them in before serving!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chow Mein
1. Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy dish.
2. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chicken noodle soup mix, soy sauce, water, curry powder, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, give the chow mein a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chow Mein
🍽 As a main dish: Enjoy it as a standalone meal, since it’s already packed with protein, carbs, and veggies!
🥢 With a side: Pair with steamed dumplings, egg rolls, or a simple cucumber salad for extra crunch.
🍵 With soup: A bowl of hot and sour soup or wonton soup makes for a cozy meal.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chow Mein
✅ Use lean ground beef – Helps prevent excess grease in the slow cooker.
✅ Stir occasionally – This ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom.
✅ Adjust the consistency – If it looks too thick, add 1/2 cup water at a time to loosen it up.
✅ Enhance the flavor – Try adding a teaspoon of grated ginger or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
🥡 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! If using pre-cooked rice, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to absorb flavors without turning mushy.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the chicken noodle soup mix with gluten-free broth and extra seasoning.
3. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Cook everything in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked.
4. How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or plant-based meat, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup mix.
Final Thoughts: A Comforting, Foolproof Slow Cooker Meal!
This Slow Cooker Chow Mein is a game-changer—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a must-try. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready with minimal effort!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your creations!
How to Make This in an Instant Pot
Want to speed things up? You can easily make this Slow Cooker Chow Mein in an Instant Pot! Here’s how:
- Sauté the Beef – Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add Ingredients – Stir in cabbage, carrots, soup mix, soy sauce, water, curry powder, and ONLY ½ cup of uncooked rice.
- Pressure Cook – Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
- Fluff & Serve – Open the lid, give it a good stir, and enjoy!
How to Make This Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly
If you’re watching your carbs, don’t worry—this chow mein can be easily modified for a low-carb or keto lifestyle!
🔹 Skip the rice – Replace it with cauliflower rice (add in the last 30 minutes of cooking).
🔹 Use coconut aminos – Instead of soy sauce, try coconut aminos for a lower-carb alternative.
🔹 Increase healthy fats – Use 80/20 ground beef and add a tablespoon of sesame oil for extra flavor.
🔹 More veggies, fewer carbs – Load up on cabbage, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of starchy ingredients.
Making This Dish for a Crowd?
This recipe is great for meal prep or serving a large group! Here’s how to make it stretch:
✔ Double the batch – Use a larger slow cooker (at least 6-8 quarts) and double all ingredients.
✔ Serve with noodles – Instead of rice, serve with chow mein noodles or ramen to make it go further.
✔ Set up a toppings bar – Let guests customize their bowl with chili flakes, green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts.
🍛 Craving more easy slow cooker meals? Try these next:
➡️ Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
➡️ Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
➡️ Easy Chicken Fried Rice
📌 Save this recipe for later—Pin it now! ❤️
Happy cooking! 🍽✨
