Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole – A Hearty, Creamy
Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole combines browned ground beef, onions, celery, mushrooms, mixed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce with crunchy chow mein noodles and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. Every serving offers rich, savory flavor with a satisfying crispy topping that makes this classic recipe a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (5 ounces) crunchy chow mein noodles, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion, celery, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and mixed vegetables.
- Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chow mein noodles.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining chow mein noodles.
- Bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the noodles are crisp and golden. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Add the final layer of chow mein noodles near the end of baking to keep them crunchy.
- Fresh mushrooms provide the best flavor, but canned mushrooms can also be used.
- Frozen mixed vegetables should be thawed and drained before adding.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the filling without the noodle topping for best results.
- Add extra soy sauce to taste after baking if desired.