Hamburger Chow Mein
Hamburger Chow Mein is a comforting and hearty dish that combines savory ground beef with crisp vegetables and a rich sauce. The blend of soy and brown gravy adds depth, while the bean sprouts provide a delightful crunch. It's perfect for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. butter or margarine
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. La Choy brown gravy sauce ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans La Choy bean sprouts, drained and rinsed
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. La Choy soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown meat and onion in butter.
- Add salt, pepper, celery, and water.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add bean sprouts.
- Blend cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then add soy sauce and brown gravy sauce.
- Stir into meat-vegetable mixture and heat until thickened.
- Add mushrooms and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure to rinse the bean sprouts well to remove excess salt. If you can't find La Choy products, any brand of soy sauce and brown gravy will work.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hamburger Chow Mein over rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with Pork Fried Rice for a hearty meal. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. A side of steamed vegetables, like Chinese Zucchini, complements this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Chow Mein contains roughly 144 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2578mg 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables if you're short on time. Just add them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they don't become mushy. Frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver while still providing good nutrition.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Hamburger Chow Mein vegetarian, substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or use tofu. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure that the soy sauce is gluten-free if necessary. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version without losing flavor.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. It pairs well with fried rice, such as Pork Fried Rice, or steamed rice. You can also include a fresh salad or some spring rolls for a complete meal. Try serving it with some pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
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).