Some recipes are more than just meals — they’re memories. For me, this Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is pure nostalgia. Straight from my grandma’s cozy Wisconsin kitchen, this dish was a family favorite for generations. The smell of it baking in the oven meant one thing: comfort was on the way.
With its creamy filling, tender rice, savory beef, and that irresistible crunchy chow mein topping, this casserole is the definition of Midwestern comfort food. It’s simple, hearty, and filled with love — just like Grandma used to make.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & comforting: Perfect for cold nights or family dinners.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one baking dish.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone — from kids to grandparents — goes back for seconds.
- Perfect leftovers: Even better reheated the next day.
- Classic Midwest flavor: A creamy, savory casserole with a touch of crunch.
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1½ cups water
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 5 oz chow mein noodles (for topping)
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (for browning beef)
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Foil (for covering while baking)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. - Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef, onion, celery, water chestnuts, uncooked rice, water, soy sauce, and both soups. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. - Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. - Bake
Bake for 1 hour or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Add the Crunchy Topping
Remove the foil, sprinkle chow mein noodles over the top, and bake 10–15 more minutes, uncovered, until golden and crisp. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy a taste of true Midwest comfort.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed green beans or buttered corn
- A simple garden salad with ranch dressing
- Warm dinner rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Soup Substitute: Try cream of celery soup for extra veggie flavor.
- Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and skip the chow mein noodles or use a crunchy GF alternative.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Add noodles fresh after reheating.
- Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in portions.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the water chestnuts — they add amazing crunch and texture.
- If using instant rice, reduce baking time to 30–40 minutes.
- Want it creamier? Add ½ cup sour cream before baking.
- A sprinkle of black pepper or a few dashes of soy sauce on top really makes it pop.
🧭 History Behind the Dish
This recipe is a true Midwestern classic, especially popular in states like Wisconsin and Minnesota during the 1950s and 60s. Known by names like “Chop Suey Casserole” or “Minnesota Chow Mein Hotdish,” it was a go-to for potlucks, church suppers, and family dinners — hearty, affordable, and deeply satisfying.
✨ Conclusion
If you’re craving a warm, nostalgic meal that feeds both body and soul, this Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is it. Creamy, savory, and crunchy in every bite, it’s a recipe that has stood the test of time — and for good reason.
Serve it to your loved ones, and you’ll understand why it’s been passed down through generations. ❤️
📋 Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 28g
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