Grandma’s Secret Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Grandma’s Secret Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

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Discover the warmth and nostalgia of Grandma’s Secret Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole, a comforting and budget-friendly family favorite. This hearty dish blends savory ground beef, crisp vegetables, crunchy chow mein noodles, and a creamy sauce to create a baked casserole that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

Passed down through generations, this recipe captures the essence of homestyle cooking with simple pantry ingredients and a taste that brings everyone back to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing for leftovers, this casserole is a guaranteed hit — easy to make, easy to love, and unforgettable once you’ve tried it.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (14 oz) bean sprouts, drained
  • 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 1½ cups chow mein noodles (plus more for topping)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Cook and crumble the beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté with the beef for 5–7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup until evenly blended with the beef mixture.
  5. Add drained bean sprouts, water chestnuts, soy sauce, black pepper, onion powder, and optional ground ginger. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  6. Gently fold in 1½ cups of chow mein noodles, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  7. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
  8. Top with additional chow mein noodles for crunch. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, cheesy crust.
  9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and lightly browned on top.
  10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

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