Poor Man'S Chop Suey
Poor Man's Chop Suey is a hearty, budget-friendly casserole featuring seasoned ground beef and mixed vegetables. Its savory soy sauce and creamy mushroom soup create a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering a flavorful taste of Chinese-inspired cuisine with simple, accessible ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, onion, and celery together in a skillet.
- Add the Chinese vegetables, water, soy sauce, and cream of mushroom soup to the skillet.
- Mix well and transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or ginger to the skillet while browning the hamburger. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and additional vegetables instead of meat. Adjust the soy sauce to taste, especially if you're watching sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poor Man's Chop Suey over a bed of steamed rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Fried Rice Oriental or a simple green salad. For a complete dinner, consider serving with egg rolls or some fried wonton on the side to add a crunchy texture to the meal.
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 cover to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Chop Suey contains roughly 665 calories, with 21g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. 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 dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. 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 use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and a bit of broth. This will still provide a creamy texture to the dish.
Is it possible to freeze Poor Man's Chop Suey?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked mixture or leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
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).