American Chow Mein
A hearty American-style casserole blending beef, rice, and vegetables in a savory soup-based sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Stir in the chopped celery, raw rice, chicken rice soup, cream of mushroom soup, and soy sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic American Chow Mein, consider substituting ground turkey for a leaner option or adding diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. If you prefer a bit more texture, you can use brown rice instead of white for added fiber. Be sure to season to taste, as some brands of soup can be saltier than others.
Serving Suggestions
This American Chow Mein pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also top it with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Chow Mein contains roughly 407 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2306mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make American Chow Mein ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the chicken rice soup?
If you don't have chicken rice soup on hand, you can use any cream-based soup or even a homemade chicken broth mixed with cooked rice to mimic the texture and flavor. Cream of chicken soup is a particularly good substitute.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken rice soup, and consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).