Chinese Style Ground Beef Casserole
A savory Chinese-style ground beef casserole combining tender beef, peas, celery, and mushrooms, topped with crunchy noodles or chips—perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the frozen peas.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet until crumbly.
- Place the cooked meat in a casserole dish.
- Arrange the peas over the meat.
- Add the diced celery over the peas.
- Mix the mushroom soup, cream, salt, pepper, and diced onion together.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the ingredients in the casserole.
- Sprinkle chow mein noodles or crushed potato chips over the top.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and ginger to the ground beef while browning. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetable boost, add bell peppers or carrots. For a crunchier topping, use fried onions instead of chow mein noodles or potato chips. This casserole is versatile, like many Chinese recipes, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve with soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil. It also complements other hearty dishes like August Moon Fried Rice, making it a versatile option for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Style Ground Beef Casserole contains roughly 453 calories, with 17g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2100mg per serving (91% 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 this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the foil and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade mixture of cream, broth, and sautéed mushrooms or use a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. Just ensure that the consistency is similar to maintain the casserole's texture.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, adding extra time to ensure it's heated through.
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).