Chow Mein Hot Dish(Grandkids Favorite)
A comforting and savory casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and creamy soups, topped with crunchy noodles and cashews—perfect for family dinners and kid-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, brown the ground beef, chopped onions, and chopped celery.
- Drain the excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, rice, soy sauce, pepper, mushrooms, and drained water chestnuts to the casserole. Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Top the casserole with chow mein noodles and cashews.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or sausage instead of ground beef. You can also replace the cream soups with homemade versions for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of water. Don't hesitate to add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chow Mein Hot Dish with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with B.B.Q. Chicken Breast for a delightful family feast. For a crunchy contrast, consider offering extra chow mein noodles on the side, allowing guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the noodles from burning. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chow Mein Hot Dish(Grandkids Favorite) contains roughly 600 calories, with 16g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2563mg per serving (111% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can substitute with crispy wonton strips or even fried rice noodles. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free crispy noodles available at specialty stores.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You can also serve it with a side of sriracha or chili oil for those who enjoy a spicier 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).