Mock Chop Suey
Mock Chop Suey is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with crunchy vegetables and creamy soups, all topped with crispy Chinese noodles. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it offers bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion and chopped celery in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked mixture.
- Add the remaining ingredients: mushroom pieces, sliced water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup.
- Heat the mixture until bubbling and thoroughly heated.
- Serve over cooked noodles, optionally garnished with fried Chinese noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh. The optional pimentos can add a nice color and flavor, but feel free to omit them if you like. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mock Chop Suey over a bed of cooked noodles for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fried Chinese noodles for added crunch and texture. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Orange Stir-Fry Chicken for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Chop Suey contains roughly 524 calories, with 14g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% 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 Mock Chop Suey ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up until the heating step, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I substitute for cream soups?
If you want to avoid canned cream soups, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, then adding milk and seasoning to taste. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the preservatives found in store-bought versions.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To add some heat to the Mock Chop Suey, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before serving. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a customized flavor.
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).