Savory Beef and Veggie Chow Mein Casserole
This Savory Beef and Veggie Chow Mein Casserole is a beloved family dish that combines tender ground beef (or turkey) with a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. It's topped with crunchy chow mein noodles that add a delightful texture, making it a perfect comfort food. Easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole offers a delicious alternative to the classic stir-fry. Serve it alongside crispy egg rolls for a complete meal, and enjoy the delightful leftovers that reheat beautifully!
4-6
Servings
133
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
celery
4 stalks (coarsely chopped)
onion
1 (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
button mushrooms
1 cup (sliced (optional))
butter
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
ground beef or turkey
1 lb (browned)
cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can (added to mixture)
water
1/2 cup (mixed with soup)
crunchy chow mein noodles
1 cup (added to mixture)
additional crunchy chow mein noodles
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped celery, onion, green pepper, and sliced mushrooms until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned meat, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, water, and 1 cup of crunchy chow mein noodles. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
5
Transfer the mixture to a deeper casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup of crunchy chow mein noodles on top for an extra crunch.
7
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
8
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden crust.
9
Serve hot, ideally with a side of rice and your favorite egg rolls.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
6.7g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Veggie Chow Mein Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish combining ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles.
What type of meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically serves between 4 to 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What vegetables are included in this casserole?
The recipe calls for celery, onion, green pepper, and button mushrooms.
Do I need to cook the vegetables before mixing them?
Yes, you should sauté the celery, onion, green pepper, and mushrooms in butter for 5-7 minutes until tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for a total of 40-45 minutes.
Why do I need to drain the meat?
Draining excess fat after browning the meat prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I get a crunchy topping?
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of crunchy chow mein noodles on top and remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs perfectly with white rice and crispy egg rolls.
Is this recipe easy for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy-to-prepare alternative to traditional stir-fry, making it ideal for busy nights.
Can I add more mushrooms?
Absolutely, the recipe suggests 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, but you can adjust this to your liking.
What is the role of butter in this recipe?
Butter is used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and flavor to the base of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and bake it when ready, though you should wait to add the noodle topping until baking to keep it crunchy.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does this casserole reheat well?
Yes, this dish is known for reheating beautifully, though the noodles on top may lose some crunch.
What size of casserole dish should I use?
A deeper casserole dish is recommended to ensure the mixture spreads evenly and doesn't spill over.
Is there a lot of fiber in this dish?
This recipe contains approximately 0.7g of fiber per serving.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables are recommended for texture, you can use frozen if needed; just ensure they are thawed and drained.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water to be mixed with the cream of mushroom soup.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include casserole, beef, chow mein, comfort food, and easy dinner.
Can I omit the green peppers?
Yes, if you aren't a fan of green peppers, you can omit them or swap them for red peppers for a sweeter taste.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, its mild, creamy flavor and crunchy topping make it very popular with children.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides about 6.7g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 7.5g of fat per serving.
Why do I cover the dish with foil?
Covering with foil ensures the casserole heats through and stays moist without the noodles burning too early.
Can I add soy sauce for more flavor?
Yes, a splash of soy sauce added to the meat and vegetable mixture can enhance the savory profile.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.