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Directions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), brown sugar, and beef broth.
3. Combine and Slow Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef in the slow cooker. Add the thinly sliced onion and stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Set and Forget
Cover and cook:
On low for 4 to 5 hours, or
On high for 2 to 3 hours
5. Add the Vegetables
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the bag of coleslaw mix. The cabbage and carrots will soften and absorb the savory flavor without becoming mushy.
6. Add the Noodles
Right before serving, gently fold in the cooked chow mein noodles. Let them warm through in the slow cooker for about 5 minutes.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Serve warm—and enjoy a bowl of hearty, satisfying chow mein that feels like a hug from your favorite diner.
Make It Your Own: Easy Variations for Different Diets
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some senior-friendly variations:
. Lighter version: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for less fat and fewer calories.
. Extra veggies: Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli florets with the coleslaw mix for added color and nutrition.
. Low-sodium tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to manage salt intake without sacrificing flavor.
. No chow mein noodles? You can use spaghetti, udon, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) if you’re watching carbs.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Chow Mein
. This meal is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with:
. Steamed broccoli or snap peas – adds color and crunch
. Egg rolls or dumplings – for a more complete Asian-inspired dinner
. Cucumber salad with sesame dressing – light and refreshing contrast to the savory noodles
. For dessert, try a few slices of fresh pineapple or a light fruit sorbet to keep the meal balanced.
A No-Fuss Meal That Feels Like Home
Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t require a long grocery list, hours in the kitchen, or complicated instructions. This slow cooker chow mein recipe for seniors checks every box:
. Easy to prepare
. Budget-friendly
. Comforting and familiar
. Full of flavor
. Flexible for dietary needs
If you’ve been looking for new ways to use ground beef—or if you’re just craving something cozy that doesn’t require much effort—this dish belongs on your dinner rotation.
The next time you want a meal that warms the belly and brings back the joy of a home-cooked favorite, give this slow cooker ground beef chow mein a try. You might just find a new favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
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