There’s something special about recipes that come straight from Grandma’s kitchen, and this classic Midwestern casserole is one of those comforting dishes that never goes out of style. Passed down from my grandma in Wisconsin, this Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole (sometimes called Chop Suey Casserole) was always one of the meals I looked forward to the most as a kid.
It’s hearty, homey, and packed with that old-fashioned flavor that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole combines tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and rice in a creamy, savory sauce — all baked together until hot and bubbly. The finishing touch? A generous layer of crispy chow mein noodles on top for that irresistible crunch.
It’s a one-dish wonder that’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it makes great leftovers (if there are any!).
The Secret to Grandma’s Flavor
The beauty of this recipe is in its balance of textures and flavors. The browned ground beef and onions bring a deep, savory richness, while diced celery and crunchy water chestnuts add contrast and bite. Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create that signature velvety sauce that ties everything together.
Every spoonful is cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 (5 oz) can chow mein noodles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, both soups, onion, celery, water chestnuts, rice, water, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
- Bake Covered: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Add the Crunch: Remove the foil and sprinkle chow mein noodles evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy that comforting aroma and satisfying crunch!
Recipe Tips
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version.
- Add diced mushrooms or shredded carrots for extra veggies.
- Make it ahead of time and refrigerate overnight — just add 10 extra minutes of baking time.
- Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Ideas
Pair this casserole with:
- A fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side of dinner rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 376 kcal | Protein: 20g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 16g
This Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a little nostalgic, a little indulgent, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or just craving something cozy, this is one recipe that will always hit the spot.