Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Pro Tips for the Best Chow Mein Casserole

• Never mix the noodles into the filling — they must stay on top to stay crunchy
• Add water chestnuts for extra texture and old-school flair
• Use 80/20 beef for richer flavor
• Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or toaster oven to restore crunch
• Double the topping if your family loves extra crunch

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetable swap: Use mixed vegetables or peas and carrots
• Protein change: Ground turkey or chicken works well
• Extra savory: Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Creamy boost: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before baking
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free condensed soups and noodles

Serving, Pairing & Storage

How to Serve

Serve hot, scooped generously straight from the dish — family-style.

Perfect Pairings

• Iceberg lettuce salad with ranch
• Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls
• Steamed carrots or buttered peas

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

Freezing

• Freeze before adding noodles for up to 2 months
• Add fresh noodles and butter before baking after thawing

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the filling, refrigerate, and add noodles just before baking.

Why are my noodles soggy?
They were added too early or mixed into the filling — always top right before baking.

Can I use cream of celery soup instead?
Absolutely — it’s a very traditional substitution.

Is this supposed to taste Asian-inspired?
No — this is classic Midwestern comfort food with pantry flavors.

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Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

A creamy, savory Midwestern casserole topped with golden, crunchy chow mein noodles — pure comfort food nostalgia.

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IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 stalk celery diced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can French-cut green beans drained
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 can chow mein noodles
• 3 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Large skillet
• mixing bowl
• – 9×13 baking dish

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 dish.
2. Brown ground beef with onion and celery; drain excess grease.
3. Stir in soups, green beans, broth, soy sauce, and seasonings.
4. Spread mixture into baking dish.
5. Toss noodles with melted butter and sprinkle over top.
6. Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until bubbly and crisp.
7. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add water chestnuts for extra crunch

Do not mix noodles into the filling

Reheat leftovers in an air fryer for best texture