Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Description

This vintage chow mein casserole is a fusion of American comfort food and Asian-inspired flavor. Loaded with ground beef, crunchy noodles, veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s a satisfying one-dish wonder straight from Grandma’s kitchen—perfect for weeknights or potlucks.


Who Is This Recipe For?

Ideal for:

  • Families looking for a hearty, budget-friendly meal

  • Fans of retro and nostalgic dishes

  • Home cooks who love make-ahead casseroles

  • Picky eaters (yes, even the kids love this one!)


⭐ Why It’s Great

  • One-pan convenience

  • A fun twist on traditional casseroles

  • Packed with textures—soft, crunchy, and saucy

  • Can be made ahead and reheated

  • Comforting and crowd-pleasing


Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet

  • 9×13-inch baking dish

  • Mixing spoon or spatula

  • Small bowl (for topping)

  • Oven


Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 (6 oz) can crispy chow mein noodles

  • 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, chopped and drained

  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp grated ginger (fresh or ground)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed chow mein noodles (plus more for garnish)

  • 2 tbsp melted butter


‍ Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

  2. Brown beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes.

  4. Build sauce: Add soy sauce, Worcestershire, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger. Stir to combine.

  5. Combine: Fold in noodles, water chestnuts, and veggies. Spread into baking dish.

  6. Topping: Toss crushed noodles with melted butter; sprinkle over casserole.

  7. Bake: Bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  8. Rest & garnish: Cool 5 minutes. Garnish with extra noodles or green onions.


Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days

  • Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months

  • Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through


❓ FAQ

Can I use fresh veggies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just sauté them slightly first to soften.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—assemble it up to a day ahead and bake when ready.

What can I use instead of ground beef?
Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.


Conclusion

Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole is old-school comfort with a flavorful twist. It’s rich, savory, and packed with nostalgic charm—perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd with ease.

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