Chinese Noodle Bake
A hearty Chinese noodle bake combining savory ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful sauces, topped with noodles for a comforting, family-friendly meal with rich umami flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop onions and celery. Brown with hamburger in a skillet.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, soy sauce, uncooked Minute rice, and hot water to the skillet. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven, top with hard noodles, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until noodles are cooked and browned slightly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or ginger with the onions and celery. If you don't have hard noodles, you can substitute with egg noodles or even rice noodles for a different texture. To save time, you could use pre-cooked chicken or leftover meat from other meals, like from Chicken Chow Mein Ala Grindle, to speed up the preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some egg rolls or wontons. You can also drizzle some extra soy sauce on top for an additional flavor boost, or serve it with a side of Chinese recipes like Cantonese Shrimp And Green Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Chinese Noodle Bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through or place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Noodle Bake contains roughly 418 calories, with 12g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. 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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative to hamburger. You could also mix in some cooked chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
What can I do if I don't have cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of heavy cream mixed with chicken broth, or use a homemade white sauce. This will still give you a creamy texture without compromising the dish's flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick to your Chinese Noodle Bake, consider mixing in some sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking, or serve with a side of hot sauce to allow everyone to customize their spice level.
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).