Hamburger Yum Yum Casserole
A hearty casserole combining ground beef, rice, and creamy soups, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles; perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture.
- In a separate bowl, blend the uncooked rice, chopped celery, and water.
- Mix the beef mixture with the rice mixture and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Add chow mein noodles on top or stir them in during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture before baking. If you want to lighten it up, substitute ground turkey for beef. You can also use brown rice instead of white for a healthier option, but remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. This dish can be customized with different vegetables like bell peppers or peas, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish makes for a hearty family dinner or can be used as leftovers for lunch the next day.
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 (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover the dish to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Yum Yum Casserole contains roughly 519 calories, with 13g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2627mg per serving (114% 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 cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked rice instead of uncooked. If you do, reduce the amount of water in the recipe to avoid a mushy texture. Use about 1 cup of cooked rice and skip the step of blending it with water, mixing it directly into the beef mixture instead.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chow mein noodles before baking. When you're ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can use crunchy fried onions or even crushed tortilla chips as a topping for added texture. Alternatively, try using crushed crackers mixed with a little melted butter for a different twist. These substitutions will still give you that satisfying crunch on top.
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).