Chinese Hamburger Chow Mein
A hearty Chinese-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and savory noodles, perfect for a flavorful family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 medium chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cold water ⓘ
- 1 can drained Chinese vegetables ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 large can Chinese noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef in butter in a large skillet or pan.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Add all remaining ingredients except the Chinese noodles to the beef mixture.
- Mix well and transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Top with Chinese noodles and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or mix the noodles with the first mixture and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or ginger when browning the beef. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat alternative. You can also swap out the soups for homemade versions for a fresher taste. Serve with a side of Chinese Cabbage Slaw for a refreshing crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Hamburger Chow Mein hot, garnished with green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Three Flavors Fried Rice or a side of Oriental Veggies for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Hamburger Chow Mein contains roughly 1304 calories, with 34g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats. Adjust cooking time as needed, especially if using leaner meats, to avoid drying out the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha into the beef mixture. You can also serve it with chili oil on the side for those who prefer to spice things up.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
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).