Grandma’s Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole

Looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to serve your family? Try this delicious Ground Beef Chow Mein Casserole recipe that combines the heartiness of ground beef with the crunch of chow mein noodles. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will surely become a family favorite!

Grandma’s ground beef Chow Mein casserole  is a timeless comfort dish that brings generations together around the table. It’s a hearty, oven-baked blend of crispy chow mein noodles, savory ground beef and a flavorful, umami-packed sauce. With Asian-inspired notes and a cozy casserole-style finish, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or friendly gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if needed)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups diced carrots

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 can (15 oz) bean sprouts, drained (optional)

• 2 packs (3 oz each) Ramen noodles (discard flavor packets)

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness and richness)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or fresh grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (to thicken, optional)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. (Can also cook entirely on stovetop or in slow cooker.)

• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.

• Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are soft.

• Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, and ground ginger. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Add uncooked ramen noodles (break them up if desired) and beef broth or water. Stir to coat.

• Cover and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  (If using cornstarch, mix it with cold water and stir it in during the last 5 minutes to thicken.)

• Optional baking step: Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.

• Top with sliced green onions before serving.

Tips:

• Add a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a creamier Midwest-style version.

• You can mix in chow mein noodles on top just before serving for crunch.

• Want extra veggies? Add bell pepper, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.

• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.