Slow Boat To China
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground meat, rice, and vegetables in a savory mushroom-soy sauce mixture, baked to perfection for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add chopped onions and celery to the browned hamburger or chop suey meat.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the meat, onions, and celery together until the vegetables are tender.
- In a 2-quart casserole, mix raw rice, soy sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and water until well combined.
- Add the cooked hamburger mixture to the casserole and mix thoroughly.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the rice is tender and the flavors are melded.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter dish. You can also swap out the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Make sure to rinse the rice before adding it to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a better texture. This recipe is a great way to use leftover meat and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Smokestack Restaurant Baked Beans for a hearty dinner. For a comforting twist, consider serving it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the casserole before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Boat To China contains roughly 413 calories, with 17g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the baking time to about 1.5 to 2 hours, adding more water if needed to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent it from drying out.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of this dish?
You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic, bell peppers, or even diced carrots to the onion and celery mixture. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of ginger can also add depth to the dish. Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, allowing extra time if frozen.
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).