Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this casserole is straightforward to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of familiar flavors appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring a meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it a convenient option for meal planning.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of celery)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1½ cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, diced onion, chopped celery, chopped water chestnuts, uncooked rice, water, and soy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours.
- Add Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle chow mein noodles over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the noodles are crispy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
- Different Proteins: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated.
FAQs
What type of rice should I use?
Use uncooked long-grain white rice for this recipe. Avoid instant or quick-cooking varieties, as they may become mushy during baking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Certainly! Assemble the casserole without the chow mein noodle topping, wrap it securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add the chow mein noodles during the final baking step.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If water chestnuts are unavailable, consider using chopped bamboo shoots or sliced almonds for a similar crunchy texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soups and soy sauce. Ensure that the chow mein noodles are also gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free crispy rice noodles.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If substituting, adjust the water amount and baking time accordingly, ensuring the rice is fully cooked before serving.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with an additional can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup, depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure the casserole is covered tightly with foil during the initial baking to retain moisture. If it appears dry, you can add a bit more water or broth before the final baking step.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms until tender and use them along with a homemade or store-bought white sauce to replace the cream of mushroom soup.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that brings comfort to the dinner table. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for families seeking a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re adhering to the classic preparation or experimenting with variations, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a classic Midwestern dish that combines savory ground beef, tender rice, crunchy chow mein noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is a comforting and flavorful option that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of celery)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1½ cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 ounces chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine ground beef, soups, onion, celery, water chestnuts, uncooked rice, water, and soy sauce in a large bowl.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ hours.
- Add Topping: Remove foil, sprinkle chow mein noodles on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until crispy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soups, soy sauce, and crispy rice noodles.
- Adjust baking time if using brown rice or additional vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American