Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

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Looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor? This Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory. Loaded with ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich mushroom sauce, this dish is a family-friendly comfort food that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing – A hit with both kids and adults.
• Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients Breakdown

• Ground Beef (1 lb) – Provides a rich, meaty base.

• Potatoes (2 cups, sliced, peeled) – Adds heartiness and texture.

• Celery (2 cups, finely chopped) – Brings a mild crunch and freshness.

• Carrots (½ cup, finely chopped) – Adds a slight sweetness and color.

• Green Bell Peppers (¼ cup, finely chopped) – Enhances flavor with a mild tang.

• Onions (¼ cup, finely chopped) – Adds depth and a savory kick.

• Butter (2 tbsp) – Used for sautéing, adding richness.

• Water (1 cup) – Helps soften the vegetables while cooking.

• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (2 cans, 10.75 oz each) – Creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• Chow Mein Noodles (1 can, 5 oz, divided) – Adds crunch and an Asian-inspired twist.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – Melts into the dish for a cheesy finish.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces excess grease for a cleaner, healthier dish.
• Make it Extra Crunchy – Add additional chow mein noodles just before serving.
• Swap the Soup – Use cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
• Boost the Flavor – Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.

Variations and Customizations:

• Spicy Kick – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Protein Swap – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Veggie-Packed – Add mushrooms, peas, or water chestnuts for more crunch and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free soup alternative.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Side Salad – A fresh green salad with Asian-inspired dressing.
• Garlic Bread – Complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
• Steamed Broccoli – Adds a healthy side packed with vitamins.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Popular Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the vegetables and add 1 cup of heavy cream for a homemade alternative.

How do I keep the chow mein noodles crunchy?

To maintain maximum crunch, add extra noodles just before serving.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. No need to thaw before cooking!

Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that blends savory beef, tender vegetables, and crispy chow mein noodles for a satisfying crunch. The creamy mushroom sauce ties everything together, making this an easy and delicious family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups sliced peeled potatoes
• 2 cups finely chopped celery
• ½ cup finely chopped carrots
• ¼ cup finely chopped green bell peppers
• ¼ cup finely chopped onions
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (5 oz) can chow mein noodles, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the potatoes, celery, carrots, bell peppers, and onions for about 5 minutes.
4. Simmer – Add 1 cup water, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Mix the Filling – In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed.
6. Assemble the Casserole – Spread half of the chow mein noodles in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the beef mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake Covered – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Add Toppings & Bake Again – Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and remaining chow mein noodles on top, and bake uncovered for 10-12 more minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and meal prepping.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• For extra cheesiness, mix some shredded cheese into the filling before baking

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion

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