Baked Chow Suey
A hearty baked chow suey featuring rice, ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with almonds—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place rice in boiling water and set aside.
- In a separate pan, cook ground chuck, chopped onion, and chopped celery until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Drain the cooked rice.
- In a 3-quart casserole dish, combine rice, cooked meat mixture, drained water chestnuts, mushroom soup, water, sour cream or yogurt, soy sauce, and mix well.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, top with sliced almonds, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with cooked lentils or mushrooms. Also, for a creamier texture, you can replace light sour cream with a full-fat variety or a blend of cottage cheese and yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Chow Suey is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a slice of Corn Pudding (Corn Casserole) for added comfort. For a complete dinner, offer crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, place in an oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chow Suey contains roughly 527 calories, with 21g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2018mg per serving (88% 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 use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using a combination of vegetables and beans or lentils to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of golden mushroom soup?
If you don't have golden mushroom soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade mushroom sauce. Just ensure to add a bit of soy sauce to replicate the umami flavor found in the golden mushroom soup.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).