🥢 Grandma’s Secret Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic!


 

🍜 For the Casserole Base:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or celery/chicken)

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

  • ½ cup beef broth (or water + 1 tsp bouillon)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tsp ginger powder (or ½ tsp fresh grated ginger)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 3 cups cooked rice or 8 oz egg noodles (optional swap)

🥢 For the Crispy Topping:

  • 2 cups crispy chow mein noodles

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)


👵 Step-by-Step (Just Like Grandma Made It!)

1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics

① Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
② In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

① Stir in both cream soups, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, ginger, and pepper.
② Simmer for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.

3. Assemble the Casserole

① Spread cooked rice or noodles in a greased 9x13” baking dish.
② Pour the beef-sauce mixture on top.
③ Sprinkle with cheese (if using) and chow mein noodles. Drizzle with melted butter.

4. Bake & Crisp!

⏰ Bake for 15-20 mins until bubbly and golden.
🔥 Optional: Broil 1-2 mins for extra crunch!

5. Serve & Enjoy!

🍽️ Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and dig in!


💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chow Mein Casserole

🔥 Extra crispy topping? Add the chow mein noodles last 5 mins of baking.
🍜 More veggies? Stir in diced celery, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
🌶️ Spicy kick? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
🍚 Low-carb swap? Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles.