Chinese Hamburg Casserole
Chinese Hamburg Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining ground beef, rice, and Chinese vegetables in a savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a blend of flavors with tender vegetables and rich soups, baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and suitable for freezing ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, then add pepper.
- Remove meat from pan and set aside.
- Add chopped celery and onions to the pan and cook until tender, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to prevent burning.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- When rice is cooked, add soy sauce and canned soups (cream of celery and mushroom).
- Combine the cooked meat with the rice mixture and vegetables.
- Mix all ingredients well and transfer to a covered baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.
- If needed, add up to half a cup of water before baking.
- Can be frozen before baking for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. You can also use fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas instead of canned mixed Chinese vegetables for added crunch and flavor. If using Minute rice, reduce the cooking time as it cooks faster. Ensure to taste and adjust the soy sauce based on your salt preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Wontons(Appetizers) as an appetizer or light side. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Hamburg Casserole contains roughly 605 calories, with 17g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (146% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2880mg per serving (125% 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
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. You can also serve with a side of sriracha or chili oil for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).