Whoa, had no idea I could make my favorite takeout in casserole form! What a life hack! This Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole takes all the flavors and textures you love in a classic Chinese-American Chow Mein and transforms them into a comforting, oven-baked dish. With the convenience of a casserole and the savory goodness of Chow Mein, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave a satisfying, belly-warming meal.
Combining the essence of stir-fried noodles with the hearty appeal of a Midwestern casserole, this dish is both a safe bet and an adventurous twist, guaranteed to earn nods of approval from everyone around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole
Easy and Convenient: Combining all the ingredients in one baking dish saves time and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: With savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce, this casserole brings all the delicious flavors of takeout Chow Mein right to your kitchen.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your choice of protein, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your taste.
Comforting and Satisfying: A warm, cheesy casserole that offers the ultimate comfort food experience while giving a nod to Chinese-American cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the casserole.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the savory notes with a subtle aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated: Adds a bright, slightly spicy flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
1 cup celery, chopped: Adds a crunchy texture.
1 cup carrots, julienned: Provides sweetness and color.
3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and texture.
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy flavor and hearty texture.
8 ounces cooked Chow Mein noodles or cooked spaghetti: The noodle base of the casserole. You can use Chow Mein noodles, spaghetti, or any similar pasta.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds a deeper, richer flavor.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a distinct nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and vegetables.
1 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the noodles and vegetables.
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional): Adds a creamy, cheesy layer on top.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: Ground chicken or turkey can replace the beef for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with tofu or double the mushrooms.
Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, swap it out for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, or snow peas for more texture and flavor.
Spice It Up: For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Instructions: How to Make Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped celery and julienned carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the sliced cabbage and mushrooms, cooking until all the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using cheese, top evenly with the grated cheddar cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes to complement it:
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed or lightly sautéed green beans, broccoli, or snap peas for a fresh, crisp side.
Asian-Inspired Slaw: Pair with a crisp slaw made of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a refreshing contrast.
Soup Starter: Serve with a simple miso soup or egg drop soup to start the meal and pay homage to the dish’s Asian roots.
Rice Side: For a heartier meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice.
