Fu Man Chew
Hearty and flavorful beef casserole with vegetables, soy sauce, and crispy chow mein noodles, perfect for a comforting family meal with rich savory notes.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can bean sprouts with liquid ⓘ
- 1 small can water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 pkg. pea pods, barely thawed ⓘ
- 1 can chow mein noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Put oil in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onions and sliced celery.
- Saute for 5 minutes.
- Add crumbled ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, bean sprouts with liquid, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350°F.
- Add barely thawed pea pods and stir to combine.
- Top with chow mein noodles.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer more vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or carrots. You can also replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup if desired. Adjust the soy sauce according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect for a hearty family meal and pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For added crunch, serve with additional chow mein noodles on top. It complements Asian-inspired dishes, making it a great option alongside other beef recipes like Skyline Chili or Quick Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. This dish freezes well; just thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fu Man Chew contains roughly 698 calories, with 9g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2859mg per serving (124% 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. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking point, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try crumbled tempeh or lentils mixed with spices to mimic the flavor of the beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is properly cooked.
Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the liquid and baking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked. Consider precooking the brown rice before mixing it in for best results.
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).