In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.

Here's a great one-dish meal courtesy of your pressure cooker or Instant Pot!
6 tablespoons oil
1 pound pork, diced
1 pound beef, diced
1 pound veal, diced
2 cups water
2 cups sliced onion
6 cups sliced celery
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup soy sauce
5 cups bean sprouts
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cans (10 ounce size) sliced water chestnuts
Heat the oil in the pressure cooker on saute mode. Add the meat and cook, stirring frequently, until browned.
Add the water, onions, celery, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Cover the pressure cooker and set for 8 minutes cook time.
When the time is up, let the steam naturally release for 5 minutes then use the quick-release method. Open the lid and set the cooker to saute mode again.
Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add to the meat in the pressure cooker and mix well.
Stir in the soy sauce, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and water chestnuts. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Serve the chow mein over hot, cooked rice or chow mein noodles.
For the best flavor, use high-quality soy sauce.
Cut the meat and vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
To save time, prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook.
Adjust the soy sauce quantity according to your taste and sodium preference.
To add a spicy kick, include a dash of chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.
Try different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster, for varied flavors.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds when serving.
Use natural pressure release for the recommended time to avoid overcooking the meat.
Yes, chicken can be substituted for any of the meats mentioned in the recipe for a different flavor or dietary preference. Ideally you want a blend of different meats but you can also use all of one kind.
If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can make this dish in a large skillet or wok on the stove. Adjust the cooking time to make sure the meat and vegetables are fully cooked and tender.
Yes, for a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use tofu or additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Adjust the cooking process accordingly.
Yes, feel free to add or substitute other vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, broccoli, or snow peas, to add variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Yes, Chow Mein can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
If the sauce is too thin, mix additional cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the dish while cooking until the desired thickness is reached.
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reviews & comments
May 3, 2021
Wonderful recipe ! Just like my mother made when we were kids ! But ... do I drain the bean sprouts !
If you are using canned bean sprouts, yes.
January 8, 2018
Very tasty, and easy to prepare
December 18, 2017
This is one of the best chow mein recipes I have found!