Grandma's Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

This retro-style casserole is a beloved weeknight dinner that many grew up eating. It features ground beef cooked with celery, onions, mushrooms, and crunchy chow mein noodles, all brought together with a creamy soy-infused sauce. Baked until hot and bubbly, it’s a simple, satisfying dish with timeless flavor.

Total Time: 45 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Main Casserole:

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 ribs celery, diced

1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)

1 (10.5 oz / 298g) can cream of mushroom soup

½ cup chicken or beef broth

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1½ cups crispy chow mein noodles (plus more for topping)

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup water chestnuts, sliced

½ cup shredded carrots or bean sprouts

1 tablespoon sesame oil (for richer flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.

Cook the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, celery, and mushrooms. Sauté 5–6 minutes until tender.

Make the Sauce

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.

Combine with Noodles

Turn off the heat. Fold in 1½ cups of crispy chow mein noodles and any optional ingredients (like water chestnuts or carrots).

Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with additional chow mein noodles for crunch.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.

Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef
Choose 85–90% lean ground beef to avoid excess grease without sacrificing flavor.

Don’t Skip the Sauté Step
Cook the vegetables with the beef to soften them and develop deeper flavor before baking.

Add Noodles Right Before Baking
Fold in the crispy chow mein noodles just before baking to prevent them from getting too soggy.

Customize the Sauce Consistency
If you like a creamier casserole, add an extra splash of broth or a second can of cream soup (like cream of celery or chicken).

Let It Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so the flavors settle and it slices cleanly.

Variations

Protein Options

Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a lighter version with similar texture.

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – Great for using leftovers.

Vegan Crumbles or Lentils – For a vegetarian alternative.

Base Variations

Replace chow mein noodles with:

Cooked white or brown rice for a chow mein–fried rice hybrid.

Cooked egg noodles for a softer casserole texture.

Cooked quinoa for a healthy twist.

Veggie Add-Ins

Shredded cabbage or bok choy

Julienned carrots

Snow peas or green beans

Bean sprouts (add after baking for crunch)

Flavor Boosters

A splash of hoisin sauce, sesame oil, or oyster sauce in the mix.

A pinch of chili flakes or Sriracha for heat.

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top before serving.

Creamy Upgrade

Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella before baking for a cheesy casserole.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole (except the topping noodles), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just before baking, add the crispy noodle topping and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole without the noodles, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Add noodles on top just before baking for best texture.

Q: What if I don’t have chow mein noodles?
A: You can substitute:

Crushed saltine crackers or crispy rice noodles for crunch.

Cooked egg noodles or rice for a softer casserole.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and serve over rice or gluten-free noodles instead of chow mein.

Q: How do I add more vegetables?
A: Easily! Add 1–2 cups of shredded cabbage, spinach, bell peppers, or carrots into the beef mixture during cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~410 kcal

Protein: 24g

Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: ~790mg

(May vary based on soup, broth, and noodle brand.)

Conclusion

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s savory, creamy, crunchy, and packed with old-fashioned charm. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or nostalgic potlucks, it blends easy pantry staples with cozy flavor in every bite.