Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

A cozy, vintage-inspired dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and full of crunch. Perfect for family nights when you want comfort food with a little twist.

 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained & chopped
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 5 oz chow mein noodles

Instructions

1. Prep Oven & Dish
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix It Up
   In a large bowl, combine:
   • Cooked ground beef
   • Cream of chicken soup
   • Cream of mushroom soup
   • Onion
   • Celery
   • Water chestnuts
   • Uncooked rice
   • Water
   • Soy sauce
3. Bake the Base
   Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes, until bubbly and rice is tender.
4. Add the Crunch
   Remove foil, sprinkle chow mein noodles over the top, and bake 10 more minutes until golden and crisp.
5. Serve & Enjoy
   Let casserole sit 5 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
Servings: 6–8
Tip: Add a splash more soy sauce or a dash of pepper before serving for an extra flavor boost.