Chow Mein Casserole(My Kids Love This One!)
A savory casserole combining ground meat, creamy soups, rice, and soy sauce, topped with crispy chow mein noodles—perfect for a family-friendly, flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or turkey and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat and onions with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, warm water, uncooked rice, and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle chow mein noodles over the casserole and bake uncovered for 5 minutes until noodles are crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also substitute brown rice for white rice for added fiber. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can work as well; just reduce the baking time slightly. Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition. This dish pairs well with soy sauce or sriracha for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious chow mein casserole with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with Ann'S Salmon Bisque for a unique dinner experience. For a festive touch, top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 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 Chow Mein Casserole(My Kids Love This One!) contains roughly 496 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2583mg per serving (112% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to beef. You can also try ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly before mixing it into the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream soups?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade substitute using a roux with milk and broth. Combine equal parts of flour and butter to create a paste, then gradually whisk in broth and milk until thickened. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the preservatives.
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).