🥢 Grandma’s Secret Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic!

 

This isn’t just any casserole—it’s the ultimate hearty, savory, noodle-packed dish that tastes like a warm hug from Grandma herself! With crispy chow mein noodles on top, tender ground beef, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this retro-inspired recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and pure comfort in every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is:

✅ Ready in 30 minutes

✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients

✅ Kid-approved & picky-eater friendly

✅ AdSense goldmine (comfort food + nostalgia = high RPM!)

🍜 For the Casserole Base:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or celery/chicken)

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

½ cup beef broth (or water + 1 tsp bouillon)

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp ginger powder (or ½ tsp fresh grated ginger)

½ tsp black pepper

3 cups cooked rice or 8 oz egg noodles (optional swap)

🥢 For the Crispy Topping:

2 cups crispy chow mein noodles

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

2 tbsp melted butter

1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

👵 Step-by-Step (Just Like Grandma Made It!)

1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics

① Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

② In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

① Stir in both cream soups, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, ginger, and pepper.

② Simmer for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.

3. Assemble the Casserole

① Spread cooked rice or noodles in a greased 9x13” baking dish.

② Pour the beef-sauce mixture on top.

③ Sprinkle with cheese (if using) and chow mein noodles. Drizzle with melted butter.

4. Bake & Crisp!

⏰ Bake for 15-20 mins until bubbly and golden.

🔥 Optional: Broil 1-2 mins for extra crunch!

5. Serve & Enjoy!

🍽️ Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and dig in!

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chow Mein Casserole

🔥 Extra crispy topping? Add the chow mein noodles last 5 mins of baking.

🍜 More veggies? Stir in diced celery, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.

🌶️ Spicy kick? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

🍚 Low-carb swap? Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles.