Oriental Casserole
A savory casserole combining tender ground beef, Chinese vegetables, and noodles with soy sauce, offering a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion together in a skillet.
- Drain well to remove excess fat and liquid.
- In a 1 3/4-quart casserole dish, mix the cooked beef and onion with the cream of celery soup, drained Chinese vegetables, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle Chinese noodles on top of the casserole.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are browned.
- Serve as is or over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or ginger while browning the beef. For added crunch, consider using crispy fried onions instead of Chinese noodles. Feel free to experiment with different Chinese vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole can be served as a standalone dish or over a bed of cooked rice for a heartier meal. It pairs wonderfully with Fried Wontons or a side of steamed broccoli for a complete dinner. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber salad can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Casserole contains roughly 646 calories, with 16g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, 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 cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream and sautéed celery with a bit of flour. This will provide a similar creamy texture while still complementing the casserole's flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of mushrooms and lentils or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream soup to keep it vegetarian. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meat-free version of this casserole.
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).